Orlando Pirates coach Mandla Ncikazi says they can’t think of the CAF Confederation Cup final at the risk of what could happen should they lose at Orlando Stadium.
Pirates hold two away goals from the 2-0 win over Al Ahli from the 1st leg which was played in Benghazi last Sunday but Ncikazi says they are not celebrating just yet.
The Libyan giants have insisted they have not given up on the tie and when Ncikazi was asked what he learnt from Mamelodi Sundowns’ shock continental exit he stated that it’s imperative they win at all costs in front of their home supporters and not focus on anything beyond the Sunday fixture.
“If there’s one thing as coaches that we need to do, there’s no final without playing the match tomorrow, it’s simple as that, win the match tomorrow, get the result tomorrow then we’ll talk about the final,” he said in the pre-match press conference on Saturday.
“There’s no better warning than that, that one, all energies for all of us don’t think about the final and preparation [for the final] if it’s late, let it be late to prepare for the final – all energies must be focused and on the match tomorrow, we’re selling that idea to the team.
“They have to play to win at home, I don’t want to deal with the aftermath of not winning tomorrow I don’t even want to think in that direction so it’s important that we focus as a team and highlight the importance of winning the match tomorrow.”
Pirates take on the Libyan giants at their iconic Orlando Stadium this afternoon at 18h00.
