Enyimba forward, Reuben Bala has said his side will not disappoint Nigerians in their CAF Confederation Cup clash against South African giants, Orlando Pirates.
The nation’s campaigners are guests of the South African side in Wednesday’s (March 17) CAF Confederation Cup Group A matchday 2 clash at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg.
The two-time African champions head their group, courtesy of their 2-1 win against the Libyan opposition, Al-Alhy Benghazi in the group’s matchday 1 clash in Aba.
Bala said though the matchup is expected to be tough given the pedigree of the opposition However, his side is determined to come out of the encounter unscathed.
“We will make Nigerians proud especially now all eyes are on us to perform, we know the expectations of Nigerians, we will never put them to shame, we will surely make them proud with heart-warming result.
“Of course, the match is not going to be easy, it’s a clash of champions and teams with rich pedigree.
“Orlando Pirates are champions and good side, too, we are equally champions and better side, too.
“I believe the outcome of the clash will be nothing but outright victory because we are in good shape.
“After the matchday 1 game victory against the Libyan side, Ahli Benghazi our confidence and morale have been boosted.
“We will not disappoint Nigerians or fail the test, we will not return to Nigeria empty-handed,” said the former Plateau United goal poacher.
Bala said his side are no hurry to relinquish top spot after the hard work that went into getting there.
“Of course, we will maintain the summit position though it is not going to be easy given the caliber of the teams in the group but we have told ourselves not to give it up.
“To be at the summit means we are doing it right and sustaining it means more hard work given the tough group we found ourselves.
“We have quality players in our midst who are always willing to put in their best for the glory of the team.
“So this is not the time to talk of giving up on the summit position we are determined to keep the status quo,” said Bala.
The People’s Elephant top the four-team Group A log on three points, two ahead of challengers Orlando Pirates and Entente de Setif.
Story by Humphrey Njoku
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