'It would mean everything' - Maela on Pirates' do-or-die Champions league clash

Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela outlines the importance of the qualifying for CAF Champions League's group stages as Orlando Pirates prepare for a do-or-die clash against Jwaneng Galaxy.

The Buccaneers are set to host Galaxy in the second leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary at Orlando Stadium on Friday.

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Speaking at Pirates' Media open day ahead of the tie, Maela reiterated the importance of securing a spot in the continental competition.

"It would mean everything to qualify for the group stages so that we can be able to compete with the best the continent has to offer," the defender said.

"That is what we want, that is our ambition as a group. Like the coach said, we have an opportunity again tomorrow to make sure we perform well and get the results."

Head coach Jose Riveiro will also be aiming to guide his side to a first win in three consecutive outings.

"It's about us performing our best, it's a home game against a good team, against an opponent that is already leading [on aggregate]," Riveiro added.

"It's a challenge but we love the challenge, this one to prove that even in the most difficult circumstances we can be our best version and the games we have already played in the competitions won't be played tomorrow. What happened in Botswana, it won't count.

"Tomorrow we have the opportunity to write an important page in our club's history. You can hear the players really want to go to that competition and test themselves against the best teams in the continent.

"So, if tomorrow we don't get the best results. It is not because we didn't try everything. It's going to be difficult for us. But it's going to be even more difficult for the opponent."

The match will kick-off at 19:30.

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