Share

Every game is special: De Sa

Johannesburg - Despite one of the biggest results of his tenure at Orlando Pirates, coach Roger de Sa says the next game is just as important.

That game is against AmaZulu in an Absa Premiership match at FNB Stadium on Thursday.

The Buccaneers achieved one of their greatest victories in their 76-year history as they thumped African champions Al Ahly 3-0 in their CAF Champions League match in Cairo at the weekend.

Now Pirates are tasked with taking that form back to the local league in a complete change of focus.

"As a coach it's a pretty big highlight. But I think every game is special," said De Sa.

"You're as good as your last game and you just have to keep going in that way."

De Sa took over the reins at Pirates after three games in their league campaign last season when the team had a poor start and confidence was dwindling.

"I don't set myself targets because there is no end, it only continues.

"I don't worry too much about the past. I worry about my dreams and that [Al Ahly] is now in the past. We have to worry about the next one and we'll dream about the next one."

Switching from the African competition back to the Premiership would indeed be an adjustment, but the comprehensive result over the Egyptian side would give Pirates much needed momentum in their season opener.

"We're happy with the result on the weekend. We have to take it forward, take the positives out of the game.

AmaZulu coach Craig Rosslee is weary of the high-flying Bucs after their African exploits.

"It’s important that we get off to a good start," said Rosslee.

"We've got a tough encounter against Pirates, who had a fantastic and historic victory against Al Ahly away from home over the weekend. They’ll be cock-a-hoop after that."

Rosslee, however, expressed confidence in his own troops.

"But I think the personnel that we’ve brought into the team are very mature and made of steel. Hopefully we can go there and beat them on Thursday."

Meanwhile, goalkeeper and top performer for Pirates in their win over Al Ahly, Senzo Meyiwa, played down the extra travelling his team had done ahead of the AmaZulu fixture.

"The fatigue affects us, but I believe it's all in the mind," said Meyiwa.

"If you want it, you have to fight. Forget about the travelling and everything, you need to know what you want.

"You must want it more than the opposition."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1816 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1774 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1082 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 459 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 186 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE