CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: ‘We are not worried about that’ – Tshegofatso Mabasa’s message to Orlando Pirates’ tormentor Ramoreboli ahead of clash with Jwaneng Galaxy

That was not the first time Ramoreboli came up against the mighty Buccaneers wearing the underdogs’ tag and conquered.

In 2013, the Free State-born mentor orchestrated one of the biggest football upsets in the country when he led an amateur side Maluti FET College to the unforgettable 4-1 victory over a strong Pirates team in the Nedbank Cup last 32.

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Mabasa is confident they can disappoint Ramoreboli this time around.

The striker, who finished last season as the DStv (now Betway) Premiership top goal scorer, feels Pirates are in better shape than last year.

“A lot of people have been speaking about Jwaneng and what happened, but this is a new season, this a new Orlando Pirates, the one that manages to create a lot of chances and take their chances,” Mabasa told the media recently in Johannesburg.

“Going into the game, we are very motivated because I’ve always said that this club deserves to play in the Champions League each and every season.

“And not only play there, but compete and that’s exactly what we are going out to do this coming weekend.

“It will be a difficult encounter, but we are well prepared for it,” he said.

Ramoreboli has already spoken about how well he knows the Buccaneers players as he has worked with some at Bloemfontein Celtic and Bafana Bafana before.

“I had the opportunity to work with coach Morena from development at Celtic and in the Cosafa Cup team last year as well,” Mabasa said.

“He is a coach that I know quite well and obviously knows me as a player, but this is a completely different phase. I have grown as a player, there are a lot more tactics involved.

“So, the game won’t be the way he expects it to be. You can study all you want but what happens on the day is entirely to the players and the tactics on the day.

“We are not really worried about that (him knowing most Pirates players), we will go out there and give it our all,” Mabasa said.

The former Celtic forward is proud of the coach’s success in Botswana where he has led the team to back-to-back league titles and also guided Galaxy to the Champions League group stages for the first time.

“I’ve always believed that he is a good coach. He just needed to be given an opportunity. I think Jwaneng did that and they are reaping the rewards of his hard work,” Mabasa said.