By Tendai Makaripe
Goal shy South African giants Orlando Pirates take on continental powerhouse Esperance in a potentially explosive Champions league semi final clash in Soweto on Saturday.
Orlando Pirates Happy Jele
Esperance de Tunis were ruthless in the group stages of the tournament sealing their passage into the last four with two games to spare while their counterparts in group A having to sweat to get into the money spinning stage of the tourney.
The Soweto based Pirates haven’t been scoring a lot of goals in their recent CAF Champions League games but full back Happy Jele is positive that they can do it against Esperance .
Jele believes the Pirates squad have what it takes to cause a major upset because they know what is expected of them when playing in this tournament and their preparations have been flawless.
“We have to switch our focus to this match – we know how to play in the Champions League and although beating the Tunisians here will be tough. I think we as a group are doing some good work at training to stop them from playing here,” said Jele.
It is common knowledge that a team playing at home at this stage of the tournament should win by a wide margin so as to make their life easier in the return leg and the 26 year old Jele believes Pirates can achieve that feat.
“We want to beat them by a huge score here and consolidate the tie away. It is not an easy match to play considering the fact that we are playing hosts first. We have the pressure from the fans who will be out in numbers supporting us. We are ready like I said and let us hope all goes well for us,” he said.
Pirates and Esperance have never met in this competition before, but Jele is expecting a very open game. He says they’re psychologically fit for their opponents.
Esperance have reached the last three Caf Champions League finals and were triumphant in 2011 – displaying the ability of their current crop of players.
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Coached by the effusive Maher Kanzari, Esperance have based their recent success on playing with everlasting positive intent, whether at home or away.
“We know they will come here to attack – they know that scoring a goal here sets them in good standings for the return leg.
“We are working on defending well and force them to stay away from our half. Psychologically and otherwise we are doing our homework and my wish is that everything works well until our last training day,” added Jele.
The Buccaneers relied on their early group form to edge into the next stage of the tournament, battling to maintain the electric pace which saw them record impressive results against Al Ahly and Zamalek. Now, their greatest test awaits them, as Esperance arrive in Soweto with the intention of putting the tie to bed in a blaze of attacking football.
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