I don't see St-Eloi Lupopo stopping Pirates

We saw mixed results when it came to Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League over the weekend.

- Tonic Chabalala,

So, my take on that, especially considering that last season they lost in the semis and the final respectively, is that Pirates together with Sundowns and other semi-finalists from last year, wouldn't have to play in the preliminary round this season. But that's the story for another day. Coming back to Pirates' second leg match against Saint Eloi Lupopo, I don't want to lie, it's going to be difficult to turn things around. But, that said, there is still hope because, after all, they will be playing es'Godini - Orlando Stadium and there's belief that the players will rise to the occasion on the day. Yes, they lost 3-0 away in DR Congo, but I believe the boys can also do it in their own backyard. It's going to depend on how much they want it and if, in the first five minutes, they could go all out but also knowing that, if you go all out, you might be exposed at the back they might get an early goal. Once they get that early goal, within the first five minutes, then it's game on. They can score three or four goals on the day depending on how much they want it. Of course, Lupopo will come up with a plan of their own, but, at least, Pirates will be playing at home, and the supporters will make a difference.

I believe the Buccaneers will come out victorious. They can see it's now or never and, if you remember the game they played against Sundowns in MTN8, no one gave them a chance, but they emerged victorious. Another reason I think they will do well is that they have added good players to their squad - the likes of Sihle Nduli, Sipho "Master Chef" Mbule and Kamogelo Sebelebele. All these players are raising their hands because they want to play. Looking at Sundowns' match against Remo Stars, I think that one is done and dusted, it's just a matter of managing the game.