Daily Sun (November 11 2013) - THIS weekend the Buccaneers have a new name: Mzansi United! Because the whole country is backing Orlando Pirates tomorrow night. THEY'LL BE PLAYING THEIR HEARTS OUT FOR A SECOND STAR!
Pirates face Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Orlando Stadium, Soweto.
The game kicks off at 8pm. Millions of South Africans will be behind Bucs and thousands of messages of support and encouragement have been sent to the team.
Fikile Mbalula, the Sports Minister, said: "I have spoken to the players. I told them to fight with the ferocity of a bull and play with the agility of a cat."
He urged supporters to come to Orlando Stadium - whether they are Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs or SuperSport United or Springbok fans!
Celebs and political bigwigs threw their support behind Bucs.
President Jacob Zuma said: "This is an important milestone not only for Pirates, but for soccer and sport in general.
"The nation must support them as they fly the South African flag high at Orlando Stadium," said Zuma.
Helen Zille, DA leader, said: "Bucs should go for it and give their best. I hope that they get a good referee because they are going to win!"
EFF leader Julius Malema said: "Orlando Pirates is my team. They are going to make make us proud."
Safa president Danny Jordaan said: "Pirates have played Al Ahly before and they beat them. I'm confident they can make the country proud."
TV presenter and kwaito legend Arthur Mafokate said he wants Bucs to show Africa what we are made of. "This is the time to redeem ourselves," he said.
Boity Thulo, TV presenter and actress, said: "Bucs must do what they do best and take it to the field of play."
Candy Mokwena, Tsa Mandebele singer, said she is a diehard fan and supporter of Orlando Pirates. "I'll be wearing black and white tomorrow," she said.
Malaika singer Tshedi Moholo, also a Pirates fan, said they will win and bring home the cup.
DJ Cleo said his long-term role model is the former ex-Bucs goalkeeper William Okpara. "My wishes go to the whole team," he said.
Afro-pop singer and TV personality Kelly Khumalo said: "I am not a soccer fan but all I can say is, may the Lord be with them and give the strength they need to make the country proud."
) Pabi Moloi, a radio DJ and TV presenter, said: "Even though I am Kaizer Chiefs supporter, I am proudly South African. I wish the boys the best of luck and I know they are going to make us proud."
) Tickets for the game start from R80 and are available at Computicket/Shoprite Checkers. By yesterday, 17 000 of the 35 000 tickets had already been sold.
See the Daily Sun mobi site for more on this and other stories....
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