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Marcel Koller, the coach of Al Ahly, acknowledges the team’s unfavorable track record in South Africa but remains optimistic that his players are ready for their face-off against Orlando Pirates, aiming for their inaugural win.
The Red Devils are poised to take on the Buccaneers in their second CAF Champions League match at Orlando Stadium this Saturday.
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The two sides are anticipated to compete in a fully packed stadium, as all tickets were sold out by Friday afternoon.
Koller’s squad has encountered difficulties in achieving victories in South Africa against Mamelodi Sundowns and Pirates historically.
This year, Ahly faced the Brazilians twice in South Africa, experiencing defeats in both the Champions League and African Football League.
In the meantime, Koller remarked that his players are ready to face the Pirates, indicating that this could be an opportune moment for a win on Saturday. “While it’s true we haven’t played as many games as Orlando Pirates [this season], this might actually benefit us as we are fresh and not mentally exhausted,” Koller stated on Friday at Orlando Stadium ahead of the bout with the Buccaneers.
“You are right that Al Ahly has not yet secured a victory here, but perhaps the moment has come to change that narrative. We have trained our team with a focus on winning, and maybe after Saturday’s match, we will have more to elaborate on.”
Historically, in their six meetings in the Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, the Pirates have achieved three wins, two draws, and one loss.
