South Africa’s Pride and Joy in Africa

South Africa’s Pride and Joy in Africa

BY: Vuyolethu Sithatu

As Orlando Pirates were victorious in Egypt against Al Ahly, too many it could’ve been the night of their lives and too many that is yet to come.

After an unconvincing performance at Orlando Stadium in their 1-0 first leg victory over their African rivals, much of the concerns raised were surrounding the fact that Orlando Pirates had once lost on their return leg in the 20143/2014 CAF Champions League Final to Al Ahly SC.

With a lot of the odds against them concerning history repeating itself and the threat delivered by the fans, Orlando Pirates had to leave South Africa with a strong mind-set and arrive in Cairo with a positive attitude.

In just the opening half of the match, it fell evident that the Sea Robbers might have left their mental toughness on the shores of Mzansi. The Soweto Giants were trailing by 2 goals to null after half time thanks to Gabonese striker Malick Evouna who scored in first-half injury time and too many in attendance at Suez Stadium in Suez, east of Cairo felt like it was over as the Red Devils had the crowds backing. After the half time talks, with no clear indication on how things would pan out coming into the 2^nd half of the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals, Ezikamagebhula came out with yet another disappointing start to another half, with just eight minutes into the second half, Al Ahly bagged their second. It took substitute Kermit Erasmus to come with the blue & red pens to rectify their first half mistakes and write their own story for the night after he scored and put Ezikamagebhula ahead on away gaols in the 57^th minute. The man who is in African Form, was to follow, Thamsanqa Gabuza scored a deflected second gaol in the 75^th minute, and it was already game on for the Bucs who proved yet again that they one powerhouse to reckon when it comes to their African Excellency.

Thabo Matlaba ensured that Pirates put out a statement to whoever they would be meeting in the final; that they are out to win it, when he scored a third for the team on that night in dying minutes of that match.

The strike by Matlaba wasn’t enough as Amr Gamal pulled one back for Ahly in injury time and it was all left for Thabo Rakhale who finished it off and added salt to the wounds of the “Club of The Century”, Al Ahly as he scored the fourth and final goal which saw the Buccaneers show all the grit and fight as they humiliated Al Ahly to a 4-3 home defeat and reaching the final of CAF Confederations Cup final by 5-3 on aggregate.

Pirates will meet Etoile du Sahel in the two-legged final late next month. The Tunisian club withstood a charge from Zamalek in their second leg in Cairo, losing 3-0, which was enough to go through 5-4 on aggregate.

Much can expected on the both evenings of the two-legged finals.

But what needs to be put to the spotlight is the excellent string of result which has prevailed continuously under the mentorship of Eric Tinkler, but most importantly the character which Ezimnyama Ngenkani have shown. They have been fighting throughout the battlefields of African, emulate the class of 95, displaying flair, finesse and flamboyance. It has been a team performance and individual brilliance has been there but they have soldiered on in solidarity. Barely having an off season and by doing so, maintaining consistency in their performance every time they play in the CCC. Regardless of the slow start to the domestic league, they have shown great intentions in obtaining continental glory. They have recorded wins from the word “impossible”, beating the best of the best.

With Kaizer Chiefs failing to do what Pirates has done, which is progress further and further on when participating in continental competitions, it is fitting to say that Pirates is more dominant continentally compared to Chiefs, who on the other hand are more dominant nationally.

What’s also fitting to question is that can Chiefs transfer their domestic momentum or rather status into their continental campaign and can Orlando Pirates on the other hand transfer their continental momentum into their domestic campaign?

Well there is much to look out for concerning these two Soweto Giants… Both forever on a quest to maintain their winning reputations as powerhouses of South African football.

The World of Marvelous Football Would Like To Wish Orlando Pirates; Buccaneers, Bucs, Ezikamagebhula, Sea Robbers, Ghosts, Happy People, Amabhakabhaka,
Ezimnyama Ngenkani, all the best in their quest to continental glory. You have made South Africa’s football fraternity proud.

 

Thabo Rakhale celebrating his goal with Thabo Qalinge

Image by: AMR ABDALLAH DALSH / REUTERS

Post Written By: Vuyolethu Sithatu 

@MAVUYOSTAR