Bafana Bafana legend Pollen Ndlanya has openly shared his disappointment with Orlando Pirates’ performance in their CAF Champions League clash against Al Ahly. The former striker, speaking candidly on Radio 2000, expressed his frustration with the team’s approach to the highly anticipated match.
“I’m a little bit disappointed with Orlando Pirates,” Ndlanya said. “I felt like they got stage fright, especially given the magnitude of the game. It was a big occasion, and I expected the players to rise to the challenge, but they didn’t show the kind of fight and resilience needed in a match like this.”
Ndlanya was particularly critical of the individual performances, highlighting the absence of the flair and creativity that could have made a difference. “I was hoping for some individual brilliance from players like Relebohile Mofokeng, who has shown promise. I wanted to see him take the game to Al Ahly, to show the kind of form that could turn the tide in Pirates’ favor,” he added.
The 2-time CAF Champions League winners Al Ahly, who are renowned for their strength and success in the competition, proved a tough opponent. However, Ndlanya believes Orlando Pirates had the potential to make a greater impact. “Pirates should have been more assertive,” he continued. “They should have taken the game to Al Ahly, not just waiting for something to happen. The team had to show the courage to go for it and take the initiative.”
Ndlanya also emphasized the importance of the supporters, who turned up in large numbers to cheer on the team. “The supporters came in numbers, expecting a lot from the players. They believed in the team, and that’s why it’s frustrating to see them not deliver,” he said. “Pirates had an opportunity to make their mark, but they didn’t seize it. The fans were left disheartened, and that’s tough to take when they were hoping for something special.”
Despite the disappointing result, Ndlanya acknowledged the challenge of facing a team like Al Ahly, but he maintained that Pirates needed to show more in such high-pressure situations. For him, this match was a missed opportunity for Orlando Pirates to show their quality on the continental stage.
