Luc Eymael says Orlando Pirates will struggle to get a result away to FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo in their CAF Champions League Second preliminary round clash.
The well-travelled Chippa United coach guided the DR Congo side to second place in the Linafoot behind Champions Jeunesse Sportive de Kinshasa last season.
They were rewarded with a place in the Champions League and overcame Al-Merrikh 1-0 over two legs in their first qualifier, as Pirates beat Lesotho Premier League side Lioli FC.
Speaking ahead of the weekend’s game, Eymael, who is back in the Betway Premiership with the Chilli Boys, said Pirates must be prepared for a difficult encounter in front of passionate fans.
He said on Soccer Laduma: “First of all, we qualified Lupopo for the Champions League.
“If I’m right, the first game will be in Lupopo, and it will not be easy for Pirates to go there and get a positive result. The stadium will be full, and the fans will be the 13th man of the team. Also, it’s an artificial pitch, and the environment will be a bit hostile for Pirates but very positive for Lupopo.
“Pirates will feel it. Lupopo have also made some changes since I left, both tactically and in terms of personnel.”