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Johannesburg - Putting aside their struggles in the domestic top-flight campaign, with their last league win coming in February, Orlando Pirates will look to continue their fine run of form in the African Champions League this weekend.
The Buccaneers take on Congolese outfit TP Mazembe, two-time champions in the last four years, in their last 16, first-leg clash at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Striker Collins Mbesuma said the pressure would be on the visitors, who were favourites to progress to the next round.
“The pressure is not on us,” Mbesuma told the Buccaneers' website.
“Of course we have to win at home and we are aware of that.
"A lot has been said about Mazembe so they will have a lot more pressure to perform than us.”
And while he admitted the hosts, the only South African team to win the continental competition, were underdogs, Mbesuma believed Pirates would put up more resistance than some predicted.
“We have a team that can play against any team so we will prepare accordingly for them.”
Despite losing ground in the defence of their Absa Premiership title, Bucs have tasted defeat just once at their Orlando fortress in the current league campaign, and Mbesuma hoped they would continue to shine at home.
“We have 90 minutes to play in our own field," he said.
“We will make it hard for them to play here and we will try our best to convert our chances and win the tie.”
The return fixture will be played on May 4 with the venue for the clash yet to be announced.
