Orlando Pirates Caf form delights Gabadinho
Malawi National Football Team striker Frank Gabadinho Mhango has expressed optimism that his South African side Orlando Pirates will cruise to the quarter finals of the Caf Confederation Cup Group Stages.
This follows Pirates’ convincing 3-0 victory over Libyan side Al Ahly Benghazi on Sunday.
Mhango, who was drafted in the starting lineup, said topping Group A with eight points from four matches was a clear indication that they were close to reaching the quarterfinals of the competition.
“I am happy that we won the match but the battle to qualify for the quarterfinals is not yet over. We need a point from our two remaining assignments and I believe we will do it. I am also very grateful that the coach still believes in me by giving me game time,” said last season’s joint Premiership top goal-scorer.
Pirates remain with a home game against ES Setif of Algeria on April 21 and an away trip to Nigerian side Enyimba a week later that could yet be played on neutral territory due to Covid restrictions in that country.
Enyimba are second with six points, ES Setif are third with four points while Benghazi are bottom with four points as well. All have played four matches.
In a related development, Flames captain Limbikani Mzava’s side, AmaZulu, moved to second position in the DStv Premiership after beating Stellenbosch 1-0 last Friday.
AmaZulu have got 40 points from 22 matches, three behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played 19 matches.
Flames’ duo of Gerald Phiri Jnr and Richard Mbulu’s Baroka FC were given a break over the weekend.
Phiri Jnr and Mbulu will be in the field of play on Thursday when Baroka take on Kaizer Chiefs in the DStv Premiership.
On the other hand, Malawian John Maduka, who is coaching Bloemfontein Celtic, earned a point when his side drew 1-1 with Golden Arrows on Sunday at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.
In the Glad African Championship, Flames attacker Khuda Muyaba and defender Denis Chembezi’s Polokwane City lost 3-0 to Richards Bay on Saturday to stay in 12th position with 26 points from 22 matches.
On-and-off Flames attacker Chawanangwa’s Kaonga’s TS Sporting were humiliated after suffering a 5-0 thrashing at Cape United to remain fourth with 33 points from 22 matches whereas Atusaye Nyondo’s Pretoria Callies lost 1-0 JDR Stars on the same day.
