The South Africans will be considered second-favorites when they visit the reigning champions in Gouna, even so defender Lekgwathi seems positive.

“I’ve been particularly pleased with the team spirit in the camp. We are all focused for this encounter,” the 37-year-old told Pirates website.

“What keeps me so positive for this game is the fact that we have a team of players that are prepared to die with their boots on.

“The current group of players going into this match defied the odds in the DRC (against Mazembe) and I believe this experience will help us greatly in our battle against Ahli.

“Obviously we respect everybody we play and the same will apply when we face Ahli. They were not voted the CAF African team of the Century for nothing.

“I had the opportunity to watch them in their 1-all draw with rivals Zamalek. The game was tight, both sides gave little away and they were equally impressive technically.

“Fortunately for us however, we are relatively new to them. We haven’t played against each other which makes us a closed book.”