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Pirates leave for the Republic of Congo on Friday for their crucial clash against the Congolese league champions, who need a win to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Should Pirates win, they will virtually pave their passage into the next phase of the tournament themselves with one match to play after Saturday's encounter.
Lekgwathi insists, Bucs will be braced for the battle.
"We are going to war on Saturday," Lekgwathi wrote on Pirates' official website.
"This is how we – the players - are preparing ourselves for the match against AC Leopards.
"We desperately want to get to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League and make history once again but we know that first we have to overcome Leopards in Congo.
"Obviously we are well aware of the challenge that lies ahead.
"We are well aware of the potential threat the opposition poses, it is not going to be an easy match because Leopards are also desperate for the three points on offer.
"We go into this match minus key players, but this is not a big concern for us as we have capable replacements, everyone in the team is got what it takes to bring back the three points in Congo."
The players Lekgwathi was referring to are Happy Jele, Andile Jali and Thabo Matlaba, who will not be available for the
match as they will be serving their respective suspensions.
Lekgwathi then insisted that after their setback, losing in Egypt against Zamalek, the team has been fully focussed on beating Leopards and will treat the match as if it were to be a cup final.
"To the nation we want to promise you that we will fight for maximum points – it is not going to be an easy match but I think we have equal chance as Leopards as far as winning the match is concerned."
