Suspended Orlando Pirates defender Thabo Matlaba is confident that Bucs will come away with a victory in their CAF Champions League match against AC Leopards, even without the team’s injured and suspended players.
Matlaba, who together with Andile Jali and Happy Jele is suspended for the clash in Dolisie, believes that the players heading out to Congo will come back with a result.
“We had the same players out during our tie with TP Mazembe and we managed to dump them out of the competition. I have confidence in the players selected, that they'll do the job and they’ll get the three points we need in order to qualify for the semi-finals,” Matlaba told the Siya crew.
Patrick Phungwayo is expected to fill the void left by Matlaba, while Siyabonga Sangweni will replace Jele.
“Boka and I are not only competitors, but we’re friends as well. He is a quality player and will fit in like a glove in that left back position.
"As for Nsimbi, I’m sure he’ll be rock solid for us in defence as always. We’re covered in midfield as well, because we have players like ‘Viera’ who can come in and do the job for us,” added Matlaba.
Pirates left for Dolisie, Congo, this morning and will play Leopards on Saturday afternoon at 3:30pm SA time.