Benson Mhlongo says he expects his former side Orlando Pirates to easily brush aside Disciples FC in Friday evening's CAF Champions League encounter that has turned many a Buccaneers fan into a ball of nerves.
The Sea Robbers return to Orlando Stadium today for the all-important second leg clash of their first preliminary round tie, with the Madagascans searching for a mighty upset.
The first leg, played at Mauritius' National Sports Complex, finished 0-0.
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Pirates have been struggling against minnows in the Champions League recently, notably being knocked out of the competition by Botswana's Jwaneng Galaxy last season, albeit in the second preliminary round.
"I think the boys have learned since then because the club has kept the bulk of the players," notes Mhlongo, speaking to KickOff.
"So, I think they will do well this time. They are growing. From their MTN8 match, you could see they mean business.
"I give them thumbs up this time because they've learned from the past. What the first leg result tells us is that when people are a closed book, they can surprise you. So, you will only know them after the surprise.
"But judging by their pre-season, you can tell these Pirates boys are growing. It's not every team that can perform like they did in a pre-season.
"In the MTN8 quarterfinals, they played like they never closed [from last season]. I was impressed with their performance," he continues.
The ex-Mamelodi Sundowns captain says home advantage will count in the favour of Jose Riveiro's men.
"It will be a bonus, but the most important thing is that they have kept the bulk of the team from last season.
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"There's more cohesion and understanding, as they've not changed their team too much. Hence, I'm saying they will easily beat Disciples this time around.
"I think they will want to avoid the disappointment they suffered last season against Jwaneng Galaxy."