Orlando Pirates are determined to deliver both the Premier Soccer League and the Caf Champions League this season.
The Buccaneers have registered seven wins in the last eight league games played. Their only loss – so far, came last weekend against Stellenbosch. The Soweto heavyweights beat CR Belouizdad 2-1 in their opening Group C game in North Africa.
Despite their flying start, Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy has questioned whether the Sea Robbers can go all the way in both competitions without having depth in their squad.
Pirates will need every single player
“I hope they are strong enough, so far they are doing very well. But I think when you want to win the PSL [Betway Premiership title] and you want to go to the final of the Champions League, you will need two squads,” the 47-year-old former Manchester United strikers' coach told the media.
“You have already seen against Stellenbosch now [where they lost 0-1 on Sunday], you get to find out because it gets tougher with the travel because they traveled to Algeria and it's catching up.
“I just hope they have enough depth and get their injured players back and keep them injury-free because they will need every single player,” McCarthy concluded.
On Saturday, Orlando Pirates resume their Caf Champions League journey against the defending champions Percy Tau's Al Ahly at the Orlando Stadium. The Red Devils started their campaign with a 4-2 win over Ivorian outfit Stade d'Abidjan in Cairo.
The two top teams from each group will seal their place in the quarter-final.
