“We would like to wish Orlando Pirates all the best in their CAF Confederations Cup against Zamalek,” said SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan.
The Buccaneers will host Egyptian giants Zamalek in their second group stage match of the CAF Confederations Cup at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off is at 15h00.
The South Africans will hope to continue their fine form following an impressive start in the group stage two ago. Pirates started with a credible 1-0 victory against AC Leopards in Congo. Zamalek also recorded a similar score line in their opening group stage match against CS Sfaxien of Tunisia.
“Pirates made a brilliant start by beating AC Leopards away from home and another win over the Egyptian side would set them nicely to go all the way in the tournament,” added Jordaan.
Come Saturday, Mbombela Stadium will provide the stage in what will be the battle of the giants when old foes meet in yet another continental battle of North versus South.
This will be the first home match for the Buccaneers and the club’s second match having started the Group Stages of the competition with a win against the formidable AC Leopards side.
The much anticipated encounter will not be the first time these two sides cross paths. The first encounter was in the 2013 CAF Champions League, where Pirates lost 2-1 to Zamalek in the first leg, but came back to put in a dominant performance which saw the Buccaneers humble the White Knights 4-1.
Zamalek arrived on Wednesday at the OR Tambo International Airport and immediately caught a connecting flight to the Kruger Mpumalanga Airport. Meanwhile the hosts, Pirates have been in Nelspruit since Tuesday morning.
Safa has urged locals in and around Mpumalanga to rally behind Pirates in this crucial match.
Sales: Computicket and Shoprite Checkers
Adults: R50 and R20 for Juveniles
On Match day: Stadium ticket office between 08:00 11:00