As frustrated and disappointed as they were with the goalless draw in their own backyard last weekend, Orlando Pirates midfielder Mpho Makola has told the Siya crew that it wasn't because they underestimated their opponents.
The Buccaneers fired blanks in the home leg of their CAF Champions League first round tie at Orlando Stadium last Saturday against African Stars and now need a score draw – at the very least – to progress to the group stages.
Pirates travelled to Windhoek yesterday and will take on the stubborn Namibians at the Sam Nujoma Stadium at 4pm.
"I honestly believe we did our home work, so I would say we were a little complacent in our performance in a way and also a little lethargic, but I would not say we underestimated them," Makola said.
"We knew what we were up against because we analysed them through the videos we had of them – so I think our mind set was perhaps not that good on the day. But we have had a talk with the coach (Micho Sredojevic) about that. He wasn't happy, but he acknowledged that we did try our best on the day. The main thing is that he is hoping that we have learnt from what happened and won't repeat it again in the second leg in Namibia."
Pirates will look to field an even stronger side this afternoon considering what is at stake – a first appearance in the group stages since 2013.
