Orlando Pirates leave for Tunisia on Wednesday night ahead of their CAF Champions league second-leg semifinal clash against Espérance de Tunis. The Buccaneers had a visit from the Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula prior to their departure.

The Sea Robbers know they need goals against Esperance. After a goalless draw at home, the Buccaneers need a scoring draw or a win to advance to the finals. And to give them some encouragement, Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula decided to pay them a visit.

Mbalula says, “It is important for Pirates. It is important for South Africa. It is important for the whole nation. You are the only team in history that brought us the star – the dominance in the African continent by the countries in the north. Today, you are standing up to them on our behalf and in that way, we know that South Africa shall rise and we will come to be respected by nations in the world and in the African continent.”

And his words did not go unheard. Pirates Coach Rodger De Sa says, “It’s nice to be recognised, you know, to be honoured in this manner. For these people to take their time and see the importance of it, it’s good for us, it’s good for the players and everybody gets well motivated by it.”

Pirates have won this prestigious trophy before, back in 1995. Despite being a stone’s throw away from the final, the players need to focus on this match only.

The Buccaneers will travel to Tunis via Dubai, and are scheduled to arrive in the capital on Thursday evening.
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