Orlando Pirates coach, Eric Tinkler, feels it was important to begin the CAF Confederation Cup group stages with a victory.
Read: Jele Hands Bucs Victory In Congo
The Buccaneers secured a 1-0 win over AC Leopards in Congo on Saturday afternoon in their Group c clash, thanks to a solitary strike from Happy Jele.
However, Tinkler admitted he would have been happy to leave Congo with a point.
"We knew this was going to be a difficult match, we played Leopards in the CAF Champions League lost here," Tinkler said at the post match conference.
"The conditions of the pitch were also of concern to us because it doesn't suit our style of play which is knocking the ball.
"Credit must be given to the Pirates players, they kept their defensive lines, shape and composure. They were disciplined.
"We were disciplined defensively and everybody played their part, so I am very happy with our players.
"I would have been happy to get a point here but the players did well to follow instruction and steal a win against a great side.
"It was vitally important that we start the group stages well and our will to win pulled us through a difficult encounter today."
