Orlando Pirates coach Roger de Sa (Photo: club official website)
Orlando Pirates coach Roger de Sa insisted his side were ready to handle the tough task of beating title holders Ahly in Egypt in Sunday’s African Champions League clash.
The match will be played in the Red Sea resort of El-Gouna due to lingering security concerns in Cairo.
“I think the guys focus for this game [against Ahly] has been phenomenal. The level of commitment and focus at training the last couple of days has been immense,” South African coach De Sa said on Orlando Pirates’ website.
“I think they [the players] are ready for the battle in Egypt. It won’t be easy of course but I think most of the guys understand what victory in Cairo will mean to them and to the supporters.”
Ahly, the record holders of Africa’s elite club competition with seven titles under their belt, opened their Group A campaign with a 1-1 draw against arch-rivals and Cairo foes Zamalek.
Orlando Pirates were held to a goalless draw at home to Congo’s AC Leopards in the other group game.
De Sa said he was delighted that he would have a fully-fit squad to choose from against Ahly.
“I’m glad that we have a clean bill of health as we head into the game over the weekend. The players have been getting stuck in throughout the week – despite all the fighting, everyone came out injury free,” he added.
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