Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha wary of disciplined Pyramids

The Spanish mentor felt the Egyptian outfit were arguably “the best team” Pirates have faced so far this season following the goalless draw in the semi-finals at FNB Stadium over the Easter weekend.

Pyramids had exposed their defensive frailties and Mbatha pointed out that another one of their attributes was their discipline.

“Yes, they are a pretty good team, they are difficult opponents to beat, I believe that they are really disciplined in terms of marking and in terms of everything. We applied ourselves well and I think it’s also something we should also do coming here since we’ve been unbeaten in this CAF run,” Mbatha said.

“We need to apply the same mentality and the same attitude as the other games.”

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Pirates conceded two goals in the home fixture, which were then overturned by VAR, leaving the tie goalless.

Mbatha says they can’t afford slip ups.

“For us I believe that it wasn’t our day that time and I believe that we will be able to put on a good show coming here to Cairo. I believe that the gents are really preparing well and we travelled early,” he added.

“I believe that we’ll be able to adjust to everything and the atmosphere, you can see that the camp is good. Everyone is in a good mood, so I believe that everyone is here to grind the results out.”

A score draw is the best chance of Pirates qualifying for the final of the Champions League, and Mbatha adds that it would easily be one of the best moments of his career to date.

“And for me, it would possibly be a dream come true as a player to play the cup final and it’s something that I’ve been wanting as a player growing up. Playing a cup final at the age of 25 is something that I would hold dearly in my heart.

“So, qualifying for the final is something that is truly aggressive and a dream come true to me.”