Orlando Pirates legend Teboho Moloi has given his reasons for why he believes the club won’t be able to mount a serious challenge in the CAF Champions League this season.
Instead, Moloi believes Pirates have a realistic change of fighting for the DStv Premiership in the 2023/24 campaign.
The Soweto giants will be making a return to continental football after securing a top-two finish last season. In addition, they clinched two trophies, the Nedbank Cup and MTN8 title in Jose Riveiro’s maiden season at the club and in SA.
Former Orlando Pirates midfield star and assistant coach Moloi has warned that the club’s faithful should not expect success in the CAF Champions League immediately.
He said Pirates need time to build experience and depth as they most of the players in the current squad don’t have experience in playing the tough Champions League.
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“There are a lot of things to consider when playing in the Champions League,” said Moloi as quoted by Sowetan.
“The travelling alone can be a big shock to a lot of players; playing two to three matches a week will take its toll on most. Coaches at Orlando Pirates, including Riveiro, will make their debut in the Champions League.
“All these factors must be considered before anyone can think Pirates can immediately make the sort of impact Sundowns have been making in the Champions League. It takes a lot of consistency to understand the Champions League.”
Teboho Moloi added: “Riveiro did well in his debut season with Pirates, but all that will be forgotten if the team doesn’t push seriously for the league title in the coming season.
“There will be no excuse to not challenge for the league title, but I think it will be too much to expect them to also do well in the Champions League.”