Ex-Pirates assistant coach: ‘The message has been sent to Africa’

Former Orlando Pirates assistant coach Tebogo Moloi has issued a bold statement following the club’s recent performance in the CAF Champions League, declaring that “the message has been sent to Africa.”

The Soweto giants have emerged as a dominant force in the CAF Champions League this season, remaining undefeated throughout the campaign.

Alongside Sudanese giants Al Hilal and Moroccan side FAR Rabat, they stand as the only teams yet to taste defeat in the competition. In their eight matches, the Soweto giants have amassed an impressive record of five victories and three draws.

Pirates’ goalscoring form has also been incredible, netting 13 goals, and they’ve been firm at the back, conceding only two goals and keeping six clean sheets.

After four matches played in Group B, Pirates are sitting at the summit of the log with eight points after two wins and two draws. In their group, they’re competing against reigning champions Al Ahly, CR Belouizdad of Algeria and Ivory Coast’s Stade d’Abidjan.

In the two remaining group stage encounters, The Sea Robbers will host CR Belouizdad before facing Al Ahly away from home.

TEBOHO MOLOI SAYS PIRATES IS ONE OF THE COMPETITIVE TEAMS IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE THIS SEASON

Following Pirates’ performances so far in the competition, Moloi says the team has sent a message they are up for the challenge.

Last season, Pirates had a poor campaign in the Champions League, failing to qualify for the group stages. The Happy People were eliminated in the second preliminary round by Botswana giants Jwaneng Galaxy.

“They need to be prepared for anything thrown at them, be it from parking the bus. They must be in a resilience form to outsmart every opponent against them,” Moloi told FARPost. “Pirates need to adjust now; they need to adapt as they are one of the competitive teams. They are doing well in Africa, the message has been sent to Africa that Pirates is now back in Africa.

“The current team has rekindled the team in Africa. People should know that Pirates are back in those days when they won the Champions League [in 1995].

“I think the alarm bells have been ringing; they are going to be a difficult team to face. However, it won’t be an easy road for them in the competition.”

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