Happy Jele has called on Orlando Pirates supporters to come out in their numbers for their long-awaited return to the Caf Champions League.

Milutin Sredojevic’s side do duty against Seychelles minnows Light Stars at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening, with kick-off set for 7:30pm.

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— Orlando Pirates FC (@orlandopirates) November 25, 2018

Pirates captain Jele has called on the Pirates fans to rally, encouraging them to come out in their numbers for the clash.

‘I cannot stress enough the importance of the supporters,’ he told the club’s official website.

‘The role they play as the 12th man in the stands is the fuel that keeps us going during the match.

‘We have been blessed to play in packed venues of late, with this weekend’s semi-final being the pinnacle.

‘For us as players, to see them at the stadium, see them in the stands and to feel the positive energy is priceless and we thank them for that.

‘When we play against Light Stars on Wednesday it will be the start of a long and difficult journey. Personally speaking, I was there when we reached the 2013 final, I remember how close we came and how much we wanted to clinch the Champions League trophy, especially for our supporters.

‘Now that we have been given another chance, it is key that we start things off on the right foot and build the momentum from there.

‘From just looking at our next four fixtures we have a tough task ahead of us, and as such it is key that we have our supporters there to help us pull through, and it all starts on Wednesday,’ he concluded.

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