Tinkler: We going to compete

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates have jetted off from the OR Tambo International Airport this morning en route to the Republic of Congo where they will take on AC Leopards over the weekend,

On Saturday the Mighty Buccaneers will kick-off their group stage campaign of the 2015 CAF Confederations Cup with a tough encounter against 'The Beasts from Niari'.

According to the clubs website, this will be their second time in Congo in two years.

Having played Leopards back in the 2013 CAF Champions League, Eric Tinkler, who was assistant coach at the time, believes that the experience gained in 2013 will put his charges in good stead this time around.

“The match against Leopards won’t be easy,” confessed Tinkler.

“However, the fact that we have played in Congo before will prepare us better than when we met in 2013.

If you recall we lost 1-0 in that match but now I believe we will be in a better position to compete as we now know what to expect from our opposition when they play in front of their home crowd.”

During the 2013 Champions League campaign, Pirates and Leopards met twice, with the Congo based outfit registering a narrow 1-0 victory and one goalless draw at Orlando Stadium.

The match over the weekend will be played at the 20000-seater, Denis Sassou Nguesso, Dolisie Stadium.

Kick-off is 16:30.