HOME > NEWS > JULIO LEAL BACKS ORLANDO PIRATES TO BEAT TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Julio Leal backs Orlando Pirates to beat Tottenham Hotspur

Leal – We believe in African football

Posted: 2011-07-22 08:35

Orlando Pirates coach Julio Leal has backed his team to come good against Tottenham Hotspur in the Vodacom Challenge Final, saying he “believes in African football”.

The Buccaneers face Spurs in Saturday’s deciding match at Coca-Cola Park, and Leal is back his team to come good, especially in light of how they performed against the English Premiership outfit in their first encounter at Mbombela Stadium.

“The match we played [against Spurs] was very tough, but I thought we controlled the game and passed the ball a lot in the last third. We scored one goal, and the official denied us another,” the Brazilian coach says.

“It [the Final] will be tough. They will come with full capacity. They have quality, but we believe in African football; we believe in South African football; and we believe in the squad of Orlando Pirates. We are confident we will perform well and will prepare to win the game.”

Reflecting on the game against Chiefs last night, Leal has mixed feelings.

“It was a great game. Chiefs played well in the first half and made it very difficult for us. Only after halftime did we get it right. We still need to improve our communication – we have only worked together for a short time – but it will come right.”

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Kris : 2011-07-22 08:48

We need EZENWA OTOROGU In that midfield,, esp him playing behind the strikers...

Papa G : 2011-07-22 08:52

Well done bucs, hope my team khosi will pick up the pieces & move forward

mavee@: 2011-07-22 08:55

i was one of those who was bitter on your appointment coach, but so far you are doing great. it wasn't because i didn't think you are a good coach, no. it was because i really liked krol. make us proud and we will slowly approve of you. once&always

Mookamedi: 2011-07-22 09:04

Bring in the Mongalas and Otorogu..give others a run, rotate ur squad or else you'll be hammered in ABSA.Mayambela is not a player, he plays total Street football.......he never made a single accurate pass going forward excluding 4 accurate passes he played backwards.....

g-force  : 2011-07-22 09:06

We jst need a powerful and expirienced striker 2guide ndulula

Marvel to Watch : 2011-07-22 09:06

It was a good game & thanks coach for your great passing game but like you say the boys need to improve their communication & it will come right.

jacob : 2011-07-22 09:10

I fully agree mark cannot play and start ther,he has 2work harder like bo manyisa so otherwise he plays round too much nd nt effective going 4ward mbuyane is much better he's actuali great. Our defence is top notch jst a striker nd we will defend our title or shud I say titles

Popo: 2011-07-22 09:12

great show last night by the mighty sea robbers, i see where this is going coach, and im sure Dr Khoza is over the moon, youve passed the first test, now bring me my CUP!

Coach try not to start Mayambela pls, he causes confusion in the middle, cant stay in his position, doesnt know when to pass, pls send him to Palacios.

OUPA and JALI = Xavi Iniseta!

Reuben Cloete Coach, hai man give Thwala a chance!

you have a team that can make even Real madrid cry!

Viva Bucelona Viva!

Senzo Was outstanding! tho moneeb is my Favorite senzo is the future!!

Sangweni is in a league of his own!

I love my team,.. i had the best dream lastnyt!

Shakirah : 2011-07-22 09:14

Mookamedi,i beg to differ with u papa,Mayambela plays in a new role now,it was his first start since he came to bucs and we were playing chipz....so i thnk ua too harsh on the boy,lets gv him a chance and the last time i checked he is the only player we can rely on 4 playing behind ndulula with his vision....Time will tell ntate....Mookamedi okamela sechaba kapo sona sehlopha sa pirates kesahao.dnt critisize.

Champ Mriyo (Trebble kings of SA): 2011-07-22 09:14

Tx coach,u r tactical n know yo job.My concern is this Mayambela thing,wat exactly does he want 2 achive as a playa?i mean his street soccer is just nt workin 4 the team,Krol ws right 2 just bring him in 4 entertainment n Leal shud just use as that too.Mbuyane is much beta dan Mayambela n i tink its time 4 Mayambela 2 go on loan or just be sold.

Champ Mriyo (Trebble kings of SA): 2011-07-22 09:20

@ Shakirah : 2011-07-22 09:14
Champ,i disagree there,Mayambela is just a confused playa,dnt know wen 2 pass n mostly doesnt offer much in defending wen nt in possesion.New playas like Doutie wil easily take his place coz they play purposefull soccer,we can only use Mayambela 4 entertainment if we r leading by many goals.

Popo: 2011-07-22 09:21

great show last night by the mighty sea robbers, i see where this is going coach, and im sure Dr Khoza is over the moon, youve passed the first test, now bring me my CUP!

Coach try not to start Mayambela pls, he causes confusion in the middle, cant stay in his position, doesnt know when to pass, pls send him to Palacios.

OUPA and JALI = Xavi Iniseta!

Reuben Cloete Coach, hai man give Thwala a chance!

you have a team that can make even Real madrid cry!

Viva Bucelona Viva!

Senzo Was outstanding! tho moneeb is my Favorite senzo is the future!!

Sangweni is in a league of his own!

I love my team,.. i had the best dream lastnyt!

Mr Sports Man: 2011-07-22 09:22

Dismayed chiefs fan.

I sense the Chiefs manager has become very comfortable in his profession…”he regard losing as a part of life in the Chiefs camp, of which it’s definitely not the case”

And I am very disappointed by the results especially the manner in which we lost the game. In the second half, we showed little threat to win/score. Hats-off for pirates players, they work smart to win the game and truly deserve to be in the final.

Lastly, what a great acquisition by bucs “in Sangweni” (the composure he has shown is magnificent to say the least). For chiefs now, we will see what can we demonstrate in the “Carling cup” next weekend.

Thami

Motlokoa : 2011-07-22 09:28

I share the same centiments with those sayin Mayambela needs to pull up his socks as he is not adding the needed value be it in attack or defending,,,,we missed Chansa to connect those passes behind the strikers,but its such games tht give the coach a chance to see which players to use in future,,,,,,,,,,

Evil Zebra forces fill in the missing words morons,,,,,

Tsipa tse ntsho...............?
Shapa tse ntsho.............?
Tobetsa tse ntsho.........?

I can only hear them sorry morons crying,,,,,,,,Ichuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

anyi4sealords: 2011-07-22 09:45

We need EZENWA OTOROGU ,,LEAL must have to reconsider his decision over keeping the hitman on the sidelines.

Lufunott: 2011-07-22 09:54

“It was a great game. Chiefs played well in the first half and made it very difficult for us. Only after halftime did we get it right. We still need to improve our communication – we have only worked together for a short time – but it will come right.” said Leal


next time you won't get the easy 2nd half because the coach will not change 3 or 4 players at once which mean your 3 by 3 will be reinstated.

Totalfootball : 2011-07-22 10:00

Its Mayambela will never be effective if he resort to play that unfashionable football.he was the weakest link & should he play like this & does not improve I'm afraid he will reach his full potential.

tebotouch : 2011-07-22 10:12

lets face it....zebra's were outplayed @ da field of play yday n thy were also outplayed in the stands....

Eish it feels good 2 be a sea robber dis dayz....m not xo abwt being zebra!!!

Racci_Bucs : 2011-07-22 10:19

I hope the most important lesson u learnt was that we need an imposing centre forward. Ndulula is not the answer and he is overrated. Pls pls pls bring back Otorogu. I also think in the 1st Half Cheaps got the advantage coz Klate seemed 2 play more on the right and he is one-footed, doesn't seem 2 know how 2 use his right foot everytime he got ahead of Jambo he always went 2 his right foot and that allowed Jambo 2 cover. But it will take time 2 straighten the team

Rudzani: 2011-07-22 10:28

I never wanted to do this but since Orlando Raties think they are Invincible and they can come into our home of honey and milk we will then reinstate their suspended sentence of 3 goals per match when we meet them in an official game!!!!!!!!!!JUDGEMENT PASSED ON 22/07/2011.After that Leal will still loving African soccer i believe. i am warning you Leal dont ever get too excited now they will be calling for your head when you dont defend their MTN8...........WHATCH THE SPACE

InterSam aka Nkope: 2011-07-22 10:31

Thanks Leal to beat this cHIVs Zebra's. My Office is quiet because of that. just keep playing Mzanzi Diski. I support you all the way.

Khosi-4-life: 2011-07-22 10:40

Firstly let m congradulate my rivals, it was indeed an entertainin football frm sea robas. You guys jst out-played and out-embrased us.But the only area that I think u need to improve its at the front.Get Benny to groom Ndulula guys.

Tshwane Derby: 2011-07-22 10:49

Ok enough now Rats, the most achievement for you in this tournament was to beat Black and Gold stripped Donkies (pretending to be colorful Zebras) , you'll never win the final mark my words you'll never beat Spurs come final day.

Zebra force FC is associated with bad luck and death eg Tombstones, coffins and funeral covers, you did a big mistake by beating them last night so expect bad things your way for the whole season
NB: Remember what happened last season after Downs moered them 2-0? Everything went bad for downs

poza: 2011-07-22 10:53

pls encourage manyisa and jali to play a bit offensively bcoz playin in our half is not helping.thwala,mahamutsa,sangweni,jele.perfect back four.was musona in germany yesterday bcos i ddnt see him!!!

Champ "Superbrand": 2011-07-22 11:07

Where was Musunu? Why was he not played? I did not want them to complain that Musunu was not playing thats why we lost.

Bucselona : 2011-07-22 11:22

Leal is enjoying da fruits & foundation of Rudi Krol. He kept da midfield(Jali vs Manyisa combo) invented by Krol & that is very good. Mbuyane is da reason why we won treble & his contribution is positive 2 da team, pls giv him a chance. Mayambela does not want 2 play & his must just warm da bench. Sangweni & doutie what a talent! Leal must just work on da penetrating part as Krol gave him da foundation. Let's go 2 da house of pain in numbers tmrw. Up the Bucs!

Champ "Superbrand": 2011-07-22 11:27

Did the Zimbabwean duo of Musunu and Nengo play last night? They must get game time phela at their age they cant afford to be on the bench.

Tolly.ba.Thathe: 2011-07-22 11:30

These Zebras were so lucky to have got away with only 1-0 score. It's just that we don't take these games eriously...you can imagine what would have happened if we took it seriously...it was going to be massacre of a real kind, I am telling you.

Another thing, can all the zebras keep quite becuase they have no place in this blog...only the champs and potential champs like Sunflops and Supersport fans can say a word...this is no place for clowns please.

Champ "Superbrand": 2011-07-22 11:34

Bucselona : 2011-07-22 11:22 [ Report ]


Leal is enjoying da fruits & foundation of Rudi Krol. He kept da midfield(Jali vs Manyisa combo) invented by Krol & that is very good. Mbuyane is da reason why we won treble & his contribution is positive 2 da team, pls giv him a chance. Mayambela does not want 2 play & his must just warm da bench. Sangweni & doutie what a talent! Leal must just work on da penetrating part as Krol gave him da foundation. Let's go 2 da house of pain in numbers tmrw. Up the Bucs!

@Bucselona,

It does not matter who Leal play in that mdfield, Pirates will still rock, So its not Krol, its the quality we have. Kroll could not ignore it. We can start with a fit Mhlongo and Ngobeni/Chansa and still do very well. What hit the Zebras is that they did not even know where the goal will come from. Anyone can score.

I agree with you on Doutie and Sangweni, they are a marvel to watch. there will be regulars this season. Mayambela needs Palacious help, he is not ready to play for Pirates. Actually, i was surprised when pirates sign him. Teko is 10X better than him.

Champ "Superbrand": 2011-07-22 11:37

@Bucselona,

Oh! I forgot Mbuyane. What a player he is!!! He will be key in our mission to get the 2nd golden star.

Thapelo: 2011-07-22 11:57

Good Morning Champs

It is indeed a beautiful Friday morning. I would like to plead with fellow champs to refrain from insulting the zebras, cup queens, cable thieves, kaizebells. It is enough now. It is difficult for them dealing with the fact that we are triple champions. Now we wallop them while we are practising while they are fully engaging in a pre season game. It is too much for them. On their behalf, I plead with you fellow champs and zebra-stew munchers to stop insulting them.

Lets focus on our team. What is happening with Mayambela?

Sputlaldinho : 2011-07-22 12:11

I've realised that Pirates r wearing a star on their jersey 2 prove they've now joined forces with ZCC. They want 2 b known as Zorlando Christian Club.

chairman : 2011-07-22 12:17

People should understand that the behind the striker role is not just for anyone, stop insulting mayambela let me ask where was tshabalala bcos he was played in the same position as mark. Don't try to kill him like url do with mbuyane just f**## shut up and support he needs time to adapt! Lucky is the person url should be insulting bcos he ddnt play like a captain at all no wanda his contract hasn't been renewed nxxx nd mabalane must be fired arrggg.

chairman : 2011-07-22 12:20

What url r doin to mayambela url did to jali, manyisa, jele, meyiwa and segolela now url r praising der names, just shut up and stop destroying khoza's fortress

Champ "Superbrand": 2011-07-22 12:37

@chairman,

Where is MAyambela effective then? He was played as left winger and he was useless. He is played behind striker and he is not showing up.

Champ "Superbrand": 2011-07-22 12:40

Sputlaldinho : 2011-07-22 12:11 [ Report ]


I've realised that Pirates r wearing a star on their jersey 2 prove they've now joined forces with ZCC. They want 2 b known as Zorlando Christian Club.

@Sputlaldinho,

He he he he he!!!! Zebra man, so the likes of Barcelona, Brazil, Germany and many more who have golden stars are ZCC. Eish maar the Zebras bona!!!

Thulasizwe: 2011-07-22 13:17

Leal seems to be getting it right but has a LOT OF WORK TO IMPROVE CREATING GOAL SCORING OPPORTUNITIES AND FINISHING THEM, and yesterday Pirates deserved to win coz they controlled all the departments. As for Chiefs the perfomance they gave was not top norch but I am impressed they are heading to the right direction although we didn't play well yesterday.

Good Luck to Pirates on the final and to be honest I don't see them beating Spurs, just because they hold on to possession TOO much without much direction as to what they wanna do with it.

Khosi4Life

Thulasizwe: 2011-07-22 13:28

and if iPirates want to score goals maybe they should start using 2 strikers instead of a lone striker. Ndulula is indeed the future but I feel the media will kill him and he is not ready to play as a single striker, get him upfront with someone who can take focus off him. Use any of the following cows: mBUYANE, Otorogu, Msowoya, Mthembu and NOT Mabena, Malokase.

cbd-oa-lebhakaniya-nge-gold-star!: 2011-07-22 13:31

Waar is die Zebras?

Probably licking their wounds in the Naturena forest...

However, I am a very worried Bhaki...

Sangweni...I would be surprised if he played for the Bucs for six months...

The way that boy plays, overseas scouts are already scurrying to buy plane tickets to flash their fat cheques in the face of the Colonel, Dr, etc!

Here's hoping that the Iron Duke is already fishing around for a replacement.

@Ace: 2011-07-22 13:58

MaBuccaneer a coach cannot be judge after 1 game. I have my own reservations about the coach. I think he is influenced by the less experienced Tebogo Moloi. Playing possession football is the good start but there are rules. First you cannot defend too deep (Our Middle fielders and defenders are not pressing high and hence the next point). 2nd you must press immediate after losing the ball to avoid a long ball (Our Attackers are not doing this quick enough). 3rd you need a skillful defensive middle fielder (with confidence on the ball- This is Jali) and offensive middle fielder(s)(I dont think Manyisa and Manyambela have the qualities) and an intelligent second striker(I dont see Klate or Juju playing this role) to benefit on counter attack. 4th because you don’t have a target man your no1 striker must be able to make diagonal runs to your flanks and must have a killer instinct inside the box (It will be to much to ask for Drogba - Ndulula). 5th at least one of your left back or right back must be able to attach and have a terrific first touch and a killer final pass(Maybe Jele but he lacks the final pass). Your two central defenders must be ball players (Sangweni and Lekgwathi are only good at wining the ball and kicking it away) and your goalkepeer must be excellent in organizing, anticipation and confident in passing (Senzo lacks anticipation and confidence).In my opinion the only player which fits this pattern is Jali. If we want to benefit from total football we need to have a 8 year plan coupled with development. The current approach I don’t see it becoming sustainable. One Champions league lose, either the coach will go or we will have to go back to Krol's style of play and that will be the disaster. But time will tell I may be proven wrong.

Mbulaheni: 2011-07-22 14:18

Mark Mayambela not effective at all. I nearly broke my HDTV yesterday. And @ chairman, lets support the club rather than supproting the individual player. Mayambela played kak and i don't see him playing in Africa if he continues his foolish play. Have you seen him tripping himself, trying to dribble unnecessarily. He should go back to development and re-learn the basics of football. He couldn't event hold on to the ball. Antother player who initially played rubbish was Tlou Sekgolela, but eventually he got his rhythm back. As for Reuben Cloete, i don't understand why he was not fully focused. I was really disappointed by his work rate, but lets hope he'll get his fitness back because i think Thwala is way better than he is. Thumbs up for Jali and Oupa. I was really impressed by Doutie and Sangweni and if we want to conquer Africa, we must hold on to these players until our objective is achieved.
@ Thulasiswe, your observations are very correct and true. We need two strikers. I think Drogba and Otorogu can be a destructive striking force. Ndulula not enough as an alone striker. Forget about Mabena and Malokase, they should be loaned. Thulasiwe mbuyane has a lot to offer. Our defense is rock and no comment.

As for chiefs supporters, their goal is to win the championship but we have a more broader goal of conquering Africa. So lets not invlove them!

Mbulaheni: 2011-07-22 14:36

Mark Mayambela not effective at all. I nearly broke my HDTV yesterday. And @ chairman, lets support the club rather than supproting the individual player. Mayambela played kak and i don't see him playing in Africa if he continues his foolish play. Have you seen him tripping himself, trying to dribble unnecessarily. He should go back to development and re-learn the basics of football. He couldn't event hold on to the ball. Antother player who initially played rubbish was Tlou Sekgolela, but eventually he got his rhythm back. As for Reuben Cloete, i don't understand why he was not fully focused. I was really disappointed by his work rate, but lets hope he'll get his fitness back because i think Thwala is way better than he is. Thumbs up for Jali and Oupa. I was really impressed by Doutie and Sangweni and if we want to conquer Africa, we must hold on to these players until our objective is achieved.
@ Thulasiswe, your observations are very correct and true. We need two strikers. I think Drogba and Otorogu can be a destructive striking force. Ndulula not enough as an alone striker. Forget about Mabena and Malokase, they should be loaned. Thulasiwe mbuyane has a lot to offer. Our defense is rock and no comment.

As for chiefs supporters, their goal is to win the championship but we have a more broader goal of conquering Africa. So lets not invlove them!

InterSam aka Nkope: 2011-07-22 16:15

@Mbulaheni:
I agree with you 120%

nontelele: 2011-07-22 16:21

OUR CHAIRMAN,IRON DUKE, MONGHADI, DOCTOR IRVIN KHOZA HEAR OUR PLEA AS BOTH SUPPORTERS AND FANS OF THE MIGHTY BUCS,THE AFRICAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNING STRIKER WITH ENYIMBA, OTOROGU, IS THE MISSING LINK IN THE BUCS JAGGERNAUT. PUT YOUR PERSONAL ISSUES ASIDE AND ACCEPT HIM.
ONCE A PIRATE ALWAYS A TREBLE WINNER!! ! !

PRICELESS KING: 2011-07-22 20:20

The missing link in the pirates team is EZENWA OTOROGU! pls Mr khoza and mr Leal... BRING OUR DARLING STRIKER EZENWA OTOROGU BACK! there's no justification for leaving Otorogu off the team or Is there something someone is not telling the entire bucs family worldwide or is a big-wig in the management against Otorogu ?! if not why is he not playing? Otorogu is better than ndulula,mabena,malokase and mayambela put together and all these guys are in the team doing what and Otorogu is left on the sidelines? is that not suspicious?!!the strike force Leal is using is so annoyingly blunt.... ndulula has shown he still has a lot to learn....ndulula is certainly NOT the answer to the bucs attack...mayambela is better as a sub.... Otorogu is an all round striker who knows how to give defenders a heck of a game and keeps them on their toes and begging for mercy!Otorogu knows how to hold the ball,spreads good passes and has eyes for goals! i would have loved to see OTOROGU AND CHANSA UPFRONT THEN KLATE OR SEGOLELA ,DOUTE ,OUPA AND JALI BEHIND THEM.....THE DEFENCE IS ROCK SOLID WITH SANGWENI,ROI,CLOETE OR THWALA,JELE.... WITH THIS PIRATES TEAM ANY OTHER TEAM WILL PEE IN THEIR DIAPERS EVEN BEFORE THE GAME STARTS! lol! PLS PIRATES MANAGEMENT BRING EZENWA OTOROGU BACK! WE CAN'T AFFORD TO LOSE A PLAYER OF HIS CALIBER...IF POSSIBLE...LET OTOROGU PLAY TOMORROW AGAINST SPURS...THAT WAY WE'LL SEE A GOOD GAME UPFRONT FOR PIRATES... up the BUCS!