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 .