Orlando Pirates defender Thabiso Monyane says they’ll be able to handle the hostile conditions that will greet them in Ivory Coast, as long as they work as a unit. Pirates will face Stade D’Abidjan at Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in their Caf Champions League group stage third round match on Saturday night.
Having faced two north African clubs – CR Belouizidad of Algeria and Al Ahly of Egypt away and home – D’Abidjan are set to be a different kettle of fish. The west Africans are not only physical and bully their opposition, but their country also serves up scorching conditions, day or night.
The magnitude of this continental clash cannot be understated and it certainly won’t be for the faint-hearted. But Monyane insists that they’ll weather the storm as a unit.
“It’s not easy, especially playing against teams from different countries, you get a feel from different leagues. The atmosphere and intensity is not easy,” he said.
“So, that’s why you need to adapt as footballers and as a team. And that’s why it’s important to work as a team, be united and just do your best.”
Pirates have been playing as a unit already. They are unbeaten in Group C after the first two rounds of matches, having beaten Belouizdad, while drawing with the mighty Al Ahly. And it was in their last game against the ‘Club of the Century’ where their character was tested. Then they stood their ground, giving as good as they got.
That fighting spirit ensured that Pirates know that they’ll have to be solid all round if they are going to exit the group stage for the first time since reaching the final in 2013. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine kept a clean sheet against the Red Devils, and that wasn’t only due to his exploits between the sticks, but the overall work of the team.
“It wasn’t an easy game, especially here in Orlando. But we managed to fight as a team,” Monyane added after the match.
“That showed that we are not only strong going forward, but also in defence. And that’s something that we have been working on.
“It’s times and tournaments like these that you are going to be put on the back foot. I feel like this was a tough and good test for us. So, we are looking forward to doing more.”
Despite the impressive start, Pirates are not getting carried away. After all, they know that they are exploring unfamiliar territory following a five-year hiatus from the eliyte African club competition.
“It’s a good start in the CAF. We are looking forward to doing our best. But as we said we are taking each game as it comes,” Monyane said.
Pirates’ squad depth will be stretched this season if they are going to be able to juggle between domestic and continental football with the aim of succeeding.
After all, every discerning Ghost this season wants the team to return to the top of local football, dislodging Mamelodi Sundowns who won the title for the last seven seasons in a row. Such is the belief within this Pirates team, Chaine adds that they are playing every competition to win, not to add numbers, including in the coveted Champions League.
“Pirates is a big brand so in each game that we play, we are looking to get maximum points,” Chaine said.
“It could be a game against the biggest team in the world, but the mentality and the way we approach the game doesn’t change. As far as your mind can think, that’s where you can go.”