Pirates captain Innocent Maela says his side will look to use their familiar surroundings to their advantage ahead of Friday evening’s TotalEnergies CAF Champions League return leg encounter against Madagascar’s Disciples FC.
Pirates were held by a stubborn Disciples side in the first leg just a week ago as the two sides couldn’t be separated in an entertaining goalless draw.
But for Pirates captain Maela, the information his side obtained in their travels, will equip them to overcome their opponents.
“We played a tough match away from home against a team we did not know, but now we have information that we need to prepare for the second leg here at home,” said the 32-year-old skipper.
“It was good for us to go out there and not come back with a result that is not favourable.
“I think we do have the advantage playing at home. I think we are preparing well, we are focused and we know what to do come Friday evening and we will be okay. The team will do well, we are ready and look forward to the match,” he added.
Pirates have a rich history in CAF Interclub competitions, having reached the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederations Cup in 2015 and2020, as well as the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final in 2013.
The Buccaneers are looking to add to their maiden triumph obtained in 1995.
But Maela says the new generation of players should not be judged on past achievements.
“The last time we played in a final, most of those players are no longer here with us. This is a new group and it’s a new experience for most of us. It’s an opportunity to grow and approach the competition with a lot of humility.
“We look forward to competing against the best on the continent and test ourselves and put the club where it deserves to be. That is where we want to be as players. We are ambitious and want to be in that space for as long as possible,” he concluded.
