Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi says they are under no illusions about Al Ahly’s strengths and stature in the continent, arguing that the Egyptian giants are the best team in Africa ahead of their clash. 

The Buccaneers are set to lock horns with the reigning and record 12-time African champions at a sold-out Orlando Stadium in their second group stage match of the CAF Champions League on Saturday (15h00). 

Both sides won their opening group C encounters with Marcel Koller’s side recording a 4-2 victory over Ivory Coast outfit Stade d’ Abidjan in Cairo. At the same time, the Soweto giants secured an important away win against CR Belouizdad. 

With the Red Devils edging Jose Riveiro’s charges at the top of the standings due to goal difference, Ncikazi has acknowledged that their opponents have a slight advantage having played this tournament consistently. “We are aware of the opponent’s strengths, the best team in Africa. They’ve got lots of experience in their team, the core of their squad played in this tournament the previous season, 10 internationals from Egypt, one from Morocco, ” said the Bucs’of second in command. 

Though the former Golden Arrows coach is wary of the threat posed by the visitors, he believes that Pirates are ready to stand their ground and prepared to stage a performance worthy of snatching something from the encounter. “We know the challenge at hand but we are confident about our team. It’s a new experience but the players are prepared to give the best performance that the whole of South Africa will be proud of, ” Ncikazi said. 

On the other hand, Riveiro anticipates a tough and high-tempo test but maintains that squaring up against Africa’s best will be a learning curve for the Sea Robbers, who last featured in the group stages during the 2018/19 season before the ongoing campaign. “It’s an opportunity to keep learning for us as a group, to keep growing, to get more mature. It’s going to be a game that is going to be played at a high tempo, it’s going to be 22 excellent players on the field, ” the Spanish mentor said. 

Al Ahly will be aiming to end their hoodoo and clinch their first victory in South Africa while Bucs will draw inspiration from winning and drawing two matches and losing only one of their last five meetings against the North Africans.