Orlando Pirates legend Thabo Mngomeni believes that the team should approach their dead rubber match against African champions Al Ahly in Egypt with strategy.
The two giants are scheduled to meet in a Group C encounter on Saturday at Cairo International Stadium.
Both teams have already qualified for the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League, and will be playing only to secure their positioning.
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Mngomeni advises the Buccaneers technical team to use this match as an opportunity to give fringe players some valuable game time, while protecting their key players from unnecessary bookings and injuries.
"If you have depth in your team, this is the right time to give those players some game time," Mngomeni told KickOff.
"You can't change the whole team, but at the same time try to avoid risking injuries and bookings for those who are currently performing well. This is a chance for fringe players to demonstrate their capabilities."
Now that the team has reached the quarter-finals, Mngomeni emphasizes the importance of focusing on progressing further.
"Every team that has reached this stage is playing to win the Champions League," he said. "By getting to the knockout stages, Pirates have proven they are on the same level as the other seven teams who will be there. We are in the same league."
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Mngomeni warns that a defeat for Pirates, particularly with their best players, could damage their confidence and morale heading into the next round.
"You can't afford to lose with your best players, so whoever plays tomorrow must ensure that we keep winning; we can't take anything lightly, especially at this stage of the competition."
Maintaining a winning mentality is crucial in cup competitions, but Mngomeni stresses the need to play strategically.