Sunday, October 20, 2013

SAFA congratulates Pirates for qualifying for CAF Champions League final

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has congratulated Orlando Pirates for qualifying for the final of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League final.

Pirates played to a 1-1 draw against Esperance at the Stade Olympique de Rades in Tunisia on Saturday, 19 October 2013. Defender Rooi Mahamutsa silenced the home side when he scored for the visitors in the 52nd minute before Esperance equalised five minutes later.

The South Africans go through on away goals rule after they were held to a goalless draw at Orlando Stadium a fortnight ago.

“As South African Football Association, we would like to congratulate Orlando Pirates for a magnificent achievement in the CAF Champions League semi-final clash against Esperance. We would like to say to the players and the technical team, your feat in Tunisia was of heroic proportions. You have made the whole country proud with your guts, determination and resilience. Not many gave you a chance but you did well,” said SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan.

”This is indeed a wonderful day for South African football and this milestone augurs well for the game in the country. Your success is our success because you are representing not only Pirates supporters but millions of football fans in South Africa. In our view, you are already champions just by reaching the finals, and we have faith that you will go all the way and lift the trophy. We would like to assure you of our support.“

In the final, Pirates will face the winner in the other semi-final clash between Al Alhy of Egypt and Cottonsport of Cameroon who play on Sunday, 20 October.

The first leg of the final is scheduled for Saturday, 2 November 2013 with the second leg set to be played a week later (Saturday, 9 November).

Orlando Pirates return to South Africa on Monday morning (21 October).

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