The Last stand

The day of reckoning is edging ever closer for Orlando Pirates football club; destiny awaits for the 1995

CAF champions league winners,and boy! have they got their work cut out for them, thanks to the goal conceded in the 1-1 draw at the atmospheric Orlando stadium this past weekend.
Credit must be given to Al Ahly ; the Egyptians did their utmost in order to get a positive result from Orlando, they defended like its no ones business, but with that side they could not resist the barrage of attacks by Orlando Pirates for the whole 90 minutes, and something had to give ... enter Thabo Matlaba's last gasp effort to equalize, at that moment time seemed to stand still for all  the Bucs faithful;as Matlaba's shot trickled into the net,thereafter only a deafening roar could be heard, as hope was restored.

Wael Gomaa, to foil Bucs

The coming Sunday is a test like no other for the Orlando Pirates team, they have to score at all cost,meaning Bacela and Co should be at their sublime best,because Al Ahly have such a resolute defense ;marshaled by the Longtime servant of Egyptian Football and Captain of the team,Wael Gomaa,who took no prisoners in Orlando stadium will no without doubt looking for a repeat of that performance.
On the Bucs side , we know the team has the ability to score away from home,as they proved throughout the entire champions league campaign, and with the mobility and pace Orlando pirates possesses we can score those crucial goals, and ultimately advance and be crowned champions of Africa.
KICK OFF editor Richard Maguire shares his memories about Orlando Pirates’ 1995 Champions League triumph – and compares their chances this time around.This links is worth checkin out

http://www.kickoff.com/news/38741/kick-off-editor-richard-maguire-shares-his-memories-about-orlando-pirates-1995-champions-league-triumph

Via Orlando...

In a week that will change the landscape of South African football for the better;as Pirates take on Al A-
hly in the crucial CAF champions league final first leg, It is time to reflect on how the Absa Premiership league has grown in leaps and bounds,most clubs in the South African league had a narrow minded attitude towards the Champions league, finding the competition detrimental to their 'Business' ( the football clubs)- having to pay the travel fees to these far flung places in Africa and  with the  CAF champions league carrying a winners cheque of only 15 million Rand, it didn't make any business sense not to mention the fact that all clubs in the PSL earn a grant of over a million every month( that's well over 12 million Rand guaranteed to the clubs every year).What Orlando Pirates has done by reaching the final of the continental showpiece, is that the clubs can gain invaluable experience and resilience by partaking in this competition, Pirates's game has improved dramatically ever since they participated in the champions league , the players are more fit, more hungry for success and not mention the mental side of the game, Orlando Pirates is much harder to beat now then they where a season ago; all thanks to the participation in such tournaments.
What awaits Roger de Sa and his men if they win the continental showpiece is nothing short of an opportunity to showcase the best of what South African football has to offer, at the FIFA club world cup taking place in Morocco in December, where they have the opportunity to come up against top sides like Bayern Munich, Monterey and Atletico Mineiro, that alone will raise the profile of the club and the league itself.This could be the shot in the arm South African football needs.
All South Africans are urged to fully support the quest for the second star, the triumph of Orlando Pirates in this prestigious tournament does not belong to Pirates only, but to South African football in general, put your allegiances aside this Sunday and support Orlando Pirates against the Juggernauts of African football- Al Ahly .

Prelude to the big one

It is exciting times for all  Buccaneer fans,if you cant join beat Pirates you better join us!, on a serious note things are exciting for Orlando Pirates and those associated with the football giant.Reaching the Caf champions league final for the second time is a major milestone in the clubs history,and by extension it is a milestone for South African Football as a whole(we've been a laughing stock of African football for far to long), it is a step to the next level all South African football clubs should strive for,it is not enough to be "Just nje " recognised in  Africa, and Orlando  Pirates are showing, with the right investment in quality players and a unity squad that is wiling to fight to the bitter end,it is possible to reach the pinnacle of African football.

With the CAF champions a week away  Orlando Pirates can focus on 'Frying the smaller fish' (...Kaizer chiefs i mean),not to sound like a" typical arrogant Pirates fan" ,( as my mates say...who of cause are Chiefs fans)but this time Pirates go into the Derby as firm Favorites...(can you blame the Bookies...)considering the recent form of the team,which was capped off with a 4-nil drubbing of Golden arrows in the Telkom Knockout ,one cannot see how Kaizer Chiefs will stop the tide,a sentiment shared by the likes if Ted Dumitru..http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/article/south-africa/dumitru-tips-bucs-for-derby-win/139284. with that said Orlando pirates should not underestimate Kaizer Chiefs ,it is a derby after all and past or recent form goes out the window-Kaizer Chiefs will be out for revenge after the Bucs knocked them out of the MTN 8, therefore there is all to play for.

Saturdays Soweto derby is very important for Orlando Pirates , not only for the mere fact that precious  three points and bragging rights are at stake, but for the important fact of keeping the winning momentum going into the Caf champions league, that allone is a stepping stone into realising our dream of the SECOND STAR.http://www.kickoff.com/news/38433/oupa-manyisa-soweto-derby-more-important-than-champions-league-right-now

Did you know Orlando Pirates had a Star above the badge before winning the Champions league in 1995?  check this link out if you don't believe...http://www.kickoff.com/news/38379/the-star-on-orlando-pirates-badge-explained

A time to reflect

With the world cup qualifiers taking place,it is time to reflect on the route the Buccaneers are chartering ; with the Lucky Lekgwathi's  debacle seemingly not over as yet,and judging by his omission from the Bucs travelling squad to Tunisia for Saturdays crucial  semi-final second leg;this matter is far from over.On a different,more positive note;  it is time to, in retrospect think of what Orlando Pirates has been through this season, with congested fixtures ,juggling between tournaments like the MTN 8,the ABSA premier and the all important Caf champions league,not to mention the fact that the team has to battle to overcome physical obstacles like Jet-lag, different time zones;and with not enough  direct flights to these African countries the team  plays in ,the team has to get connecting flight in far flung areas such as the Emirates which takes its toll even to the best players in the world,but the boys have come out stronger than before and are more determined to get that second star.The match against Esperance will be far from easy, with an avid support at their Stade  Olympique de Rades,the Bucs have their work cut out for them, but it's not all doom and gloom; Esperance will also be missing one of their talismanic defenders  Kheled Mouelhihttp://www.kickoff.com/news/38233/star-man-missing-for-esperance-kheled-mouelhi-orlando-pirates-african-champions-league  who picked up a thigh injury on International duty with tunisia this past weekend- this is good news for a Bucs time who has been hamperd by a spate of injuries to top players like ,Sangweni(Intsimbi) and of cause dynamic midfielder, Ntshumayelo .With a win on Saterday night Orlando Pirates will be a step closer to achieving that illusive second star.

calm before the storm

after the ghost ship faced the rough seas during the MTN 8 final and succumbed  to  a determined Platinum stars side albeit via a penalty shootout,tough tough for the bucs seem far from over; with our talismanic captain Lucky Legwathi embroiled in a dispute with the management of the club ,that said his presence is needed now more than ever, going to Tunisia with one of  the Buccaneers greatest captains ever could come around to 'haunt' the ghost; his leadership is inspirational to other player , he gives that assurance that every Orlando Pirates fan wants-that he is prepared to lay his head on the chopping board, with that said we have to look ahead to the match against Esperance;in Tunisia - this match will probably be the most important match in recent Pirates history, bit it can be done matter of fact it should be done; we as fans of the beautiful game in the southern tip of Africa have been denied the prestige of the CAF champions league, which is an insult to us as a football loving nation;with our league being probably the most competitive and lucrative league in Africa-teams like Pirates , Chiefs and Sundowns should be regular contenders.next weekend defeat is not an option, a Pirates victory is not just our victory.... it will be a Southern African victory!

Spoils of war

Can bucs finish the job in durban?

After a gruelling incounter with the Giants of Africa, Al Ahly, within 24 hours the buccaneers had to play probably the most anticipated match yet against a Kaizer Chiefs team which was starting to find their form,but boy did the bucs players show professionalism and give their all to the cause, and here we are on the cusp of attaining a trophy early on,with the boys going to durban to play the final it's safe to pack our swim wear and spf 40 laden moisturisers ... DURBAN here comes the bucs.with all the frenzy surrounding our venture into the semi-finals of the CAF Chanpions league the boys are urged not to be complacent for Platinum Stars is no team of slouches. With former pirates players such as Benson Mhlongo , Patrick malokase and the in form Siphelele Mthembu- who know the culture of Orlando Pirates, it will be a tough match, but all things well the bucs will pick their first trophy this season...

What now for the bucs

The champions league campaign for Orlando Pirates has taken the turn for the worst;having surrenderd first place on top of group A(dubbed the group of death) to Egyption giants Al Ahly ;after consectutive losses against group rivals Zamalek and AC Leopards - the buccaneers are sitting in a precarious position-having to at the least draw against Al Ahly to ensure safe passage into the semi-finals of the CAF champions, and a shot at continental glory for the second time.Some avid Pirates fans ( myself included) expect an under-par perfomance by the reigning African champions Al Ahly ;having secured a semi-final spot against fierce domestic rivals Zamalek,but Al Ahly are definately not the undesputed champions of Africa by living loose ends,the Cairo giants will come to Orlando with one objective; to win,a win for means they avoid a semi-final clash with group B toppers Esperance,this would also mean a much more favourable opponent for Al Ahly ;That opponent being Cotton Sport of Ivory Coast;who they met in the 2008 semi-finals,and ran out 4-2 winners on aggregate.Orlando Pirates have their work cut out for them,but the boys should take courage from the fact that they managed to convincingly thrash AL Ahly at home 3-0; which was definately not expected, on that day the players showed up and performed for the Orlando Pirates badge; they earned the respect of many Orlando Pirates fans and rivals(KAIZER CHIEFS ,only to name a few);they can't the boys do that again at home - in front of their adoring fans; who will be cheering at every tackle won,every save made and definately when Pirates scores.The set back we suffered this week- of Andile Jali getting a shoulder injury should not be considered just that... 'set back' , but should be seen as a test for the depth of players Pirates has ,Andile Jali will be replaced be a capable player;Masalesa aka 'Viera',; which shows the abundance of talent at Orlando Pirates,so as a die-hard Pirate myself; i rest assured that we will reach the semi-finals of the Caf champions league.The quest for the second star lives on!