Hint of destiny in Sea Robbers' campaign so far

With tanks in streets that are deserted at night due to curfews, Cairo provides a fittingly tense backdrop to tonight's Caf Champions League final, second leg, in which Orlando Pirates will try to beat Al Ahly for their first continental title since 1995.

On Friday, the main prayer day in Cairo, tanks blocked every street leading to Tahrir Square, a political hotbed. On normal working days, four tanks stand in front of the presidential palace of deposed president Mohamed Morsi. On Friday, there were 15.

Guards peer nervously out of pillboxes on the walls of the city's military compounds. The military have been under siege from an enraged population since removing Morsi. They were reluctant for this match to be played in Cairo and security tonight at the Arab Contractors Stadium is sure to be tight.

"These are the things you end up talking about in years to come," said Pirates coach Roger de Sa. "I remember going to Congo with Bafana Bafana and the army pointing their rifles at us every time we scored. It's what makes it worthwhile - these moments in your life.

"It brings an edge to the final. But the players have been here before and they just have to worry about the 90 minutes."

Having drawn 1-1 at home in the first leg, Pirates need a win, or draw by 2-2 or higher, to lift only the second Champions League trophy by a SA club. A 1-1 draw will result in the tie going straight to penalties.

It is a tall order. Bucs beat Al Ahly 3-0 away in the group phases, but that was in the Red Sea resort of El Gouna in front of an empty stadium, not 25000 fans, including Ahly's hardcore Ultras.

But there has been a hint of destiny to Pirates' campaign so far. It was there when goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa made two penalty saves in Lubumbashi and Bucs beat TP Mazembe 3-2 on aggregate. And again last weekend at Orlando Stadium, when Thabo Matlaba scored with almost the last kick of the game to keep Pirates in the final.

"In every campaign, there are moments that define it," De Sa said. "TP Mazembe, obviously, the two penalty saves turned the game upside down.

"The other moment was the penalty save against Al Ahly away in the group phase. We were 1-0 up, Ahly got a penalty and we saved it. From then we had the sense of belief we could win it, scored the second and the third.

"Against Esperance, Rooi Mahmutsa scores from a corner, which he hasn't done in a year-and-a-half since I've been around. These are definitely moments that will stand out in our minds."

Considering the costs of hosting a final, with Caf officials flown in business class and put up in top hotels, the chartered and commercial flights for the team, hotels and other expenses, Bucs would probably come out about even from the R15-million prize money, should they win tonight.

It's easy to see why South African clubs approach the Champions League hesitantly. But participating in Africa has value that goes beyond financial considerations, not least in the growth of a team's players.

"It's what it does to the team, the players and also the brand," De Sa said. "I mean, in the last few weeks in South Africa all you hear about is Pirates in the Champions League.

"And through Africa, you hear people talking about Orlando, Orlando, Orlando. Ideally we'd like to go a step further because the Club World Club [in Morocco next month] is really where your club name will get branded around the world."

There is every chance Al Ahly, the experienced seven-time champions, will prevail.

"It's fantastic to have reached the final and come through this trip with all the experiences we've had," De Sa said. "But nobody really remembers who came second in the 100m Olympic final. We all know Usain Bolt won it, but maybe only the die-hards remember who came second."

Pirates' central midfielder Andile Jali and right back Happy Jele are suspended. Lehlohonolo Masalesa and Lucky Lekgwathi will be their replacements.

For Ahly's stalwarts Mohamed Aboutrika, Wael Gomaa and Ahmed Fathi, it could be a last hurrah. Egypt are 6-1 down against Ghana in the first leg of their World Cup qualifier,