Orlando Pirates’ 1995 CAF Champions League-winning captain Edward ‘Magents’ Motale has come out boldly on what it means to exit Africa’s premier club competition.
The Buccaneers were eliminated from the Champions League by FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo last weekend. After suffering a 3-0 defeat on the first leg of the second preliminary round away, Pirates fought back to win 3-0 in the home leg.
But they went on to lose via a penalty shootout and will not be taking part in the group phase of this tournament. It was failure which attracted criticism directed towards coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and his men, given high expectations on the Soweto giants to do better after reaching the Champions League semi-finals last season.
Getting into a season in which they have the Betway Premiership, Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup and Champions League up for the taking, Pirates have now lesser responsibilities.
They have already won the MTN8 and still have a chance to finish the season with a treble.
Bowing out of the more taxing Champions League could be seen as one load off their back, but Motale does not view it that way.
MOTALE BOLD ON WHAT IT MEANS TO EXIT THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
“Clearly, it’s a big loss and not a blessing in disguise. Now that it is gone, it was not a blessing but it is going to give them time to focus on the PSL,” Motale told FARPost.
“Their exit can be a lesson to other teams that are playing in Africa that you don’t have to easily concede, whether home or away. The least you can play for is a draw.”
Next for the Buccaneers is a clash with Mamelodi Sundowns in a PSL match slated for Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The Brazilians are leading the table with three points more than Pirates. But the Soweto giants have played two games fewer than Masandawana, giving them an opportunity to go on top og the standings.
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