Orlando Pirates coach Roger de Sa says the Buccaneers are prepared for any eventuality in Congo, including the bad pitch that the team is likely to play on. 

Read: Matlaba Confident Of Bucs Victory

The Buccaneers will take on AC Leopards in the CAF Champions League in Congo this weekend.

“We’re not only expecting a bad pitch, but a lot of things as well. You know how it is in Africa, one has to be prepared for any eventuality,” De Sa told the Siya crew.

“We’ve had four penalties in three of our away games, which has never been heard of in modern football. We’ve conceded far less penalties than that in our PSL matches for the entire season last season, so that tells you the story of what we are up against.

“I have told my players to try as much as they can to avoid contact because the Leopards players would be looking for that, but it’s difficult to mark a player and not make contact. Football is a contact sport after all,” added De Sa.

Asked if the Buccaneers supporters can expect a win in Dolisie on Saturday, De Sa said that he is hoping to come back with all three points.

“We can’t pre-empt anything at this stage in as far as the result of this game is concerned. We didn’t go to Egypt and say we’ll come away with a win against Al Ahly and Zamalek. We just have to go there and do the business on the field of play. I’m hoping though that we’ll do enough to win the game and come away with the three points we need in order to reach the semis,” explained De Sa.

Check: The latest Champions League standings

Meanwhile, midfielder Lehlogonolo Masalesa has travelled with the team to Congo. Masalesa injured himself at training this week and there were concerns that he could miss out on the trip to Dolisie, although he did travel with the team.

The midfielder is expected to start the game alongside Oupa Manyisa in the middle of the park for Bucs, should he pass a late fitness test. 

Read: Masalesa Scare For Bucs

By Khaya Ndubane
Follow Khaya on Twitter: @Lakhandu