Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi has put rivalry aside to send well wishes to Orlando Pirates in their Caf Confederation Cup final against RS Berkane of Morocco.
The Buccaneers take on RS Berkane in neutral Uyo, Nigeria on Friday night, aiming to lay their hands on the Confederation Cup trophy after they lost narrowly, 2-1 on aggregate to Etoile du Sahel in the 2015 final.
By qualifying for the final, Pirates will finish their DStv Premiership beyond the final day of the campaign this weekend as they have three more games to play.
“It is encouraging to have an SA team competing in that space,” said Mngqithi as Sundowns prepared to take on Royal AM at Chatsworth Stadium in their final DStv Premiership match on Saturday, where they will be handed their championship trophy.
Maybe it will bring a glimpse of hope for SA football and the country in general to see one of our teams lifting a continental tournament [trophy].
— Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi
In a statement likely divide the public, Mngqithi added that South Africans must support Pirates in their mission to lift the title. Downs, Pirates and Chiefs fans are not known for backing their big three rivals even when they are flying the flag for the country in continental competition.
“That should ignite fire in all of us as South Africans. If we are patriotic enough, we really have to support and show that one of ours stands a chance of conquering the continent.
“Maybe it will bring a glimpse of hope for SA football and the country in general to see one of our teams lifting a continental tournament [trophy].
“They have done very well. The confidence I have in [Pirates coaches] Mandla [Ncikazi], Fadlu [Davids] and the whole team suggests they have the capacity to win it.”
Sundowns were knocked out in the quarterfinal stage of the Champions League by Petro Atlético and they are left with two matches to complete their domestic season. The game against Royal AM this weekend is their last in the league and they will return next weekend for the Nedbank Cup final against Marumo Gallants at Royal Bafokeng Stadium where they will be looking to complete the treble.
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