Orlando Pirates and RS Berkane will trade tackles in the final of CAF Confederation Cup on Friday at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria.
The South African side overcame Algerian side Al Ahli Tripoli 2-1 on aggregate to get to the showpiece event.
The Buccaneers will be playing in their second Confederation Cup final, and first since 2015 when they lost 2-1 on aggregate to Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia.
Pirates midfielder Bandile Shandu has been Pirates main man in attack and his four goals so far in the competition have been vital for the Sea Robbers in their journey to the final.
The former Martizburg star believes the occasion a continental final will provide enough motivation for Pirates to step up a gear.
“The occasion itself just brings everyone to step up, to spring a bit more than the previous game. I think to win, you need to be on top of your game. You need to be fully focused and working hard, nothing beats hard work,” says Shandu.
“Playing in the final is an amazing feeling and I think that road to the final tells you how big the occasion is. It is a privilege and I am grateful to be part of this fantastic team.
“It has been a wonderful experience and we are looking forward to the final. I would like to thank my teammates and the technical staff, because they have helped me to settle into the team.”
RS Berkane, meanwhile, showed their potency by crushing TP Mazembe 4-1 in the second leg of the semifinal after they lost 1-0 in the first leg, suggesting they are vulnerable on the road.
The Moroccans have a greater pedigree in African club competition, having won two continental title since their foundation back in 1971.
Berkane come into the match with an impressive record over the last 10 matches, having won six, drawn two and lost two.
The Oranges have no known injuries or suspension concerns and they will be looking for inspiration from Youssef El Fahli for goals in the one off final.
Both teams have never met in the past thus this is going to be the first ever match between the two sides in continental football.
