Marcel Koller, the coach of Al Ahly, acknowledges the team’s challenging history in South Africa but is optimistic that his players are ready for their encounter with Orlando Pirates, aiming to secure their first win.

The Red Devils are scheduled to face the Buccaneers in their second CAF Champions League match at Orlando Stadium this Saturday.

The match is anticipated to take place in front of a full house, with tickets selling out completely by Friday afternoon.

In the past, Koller’s squad has struggled to achieve victories in South Africa against both Mamelodi Sundowns and Pirates.

Ahly faced Sundowns twice in South Africa in 2023 but experienced defeats in both the Champions League and the African Football League.

Koller has indicated that his players are geared up to confront the Pirates, suggesting this could be an opportune moment for a victory this Saturday. “While it’s true we haven’t played as much as Orlando Pirates [this season], that might play to our advantage since we are fresh and not mentally exhausted,” Koller commented Friday at Orlando Stadium, before the match against the Buccaneers.

“It’s accurate to say that Al Ahly hasn’t secured a win here yet, but perhaps the time to change that is now. We’ve trained our players with the objective of winning in mind, and maybe after Saturday’s match, we’ll have more positive news to share.”

Historically, in their previous encounters, the Pirates have achieved three victories, two draws, and one loss in their six matchups during the Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.