Orlando Pirates youngster Mohau Nkota believes they have what it takes to go all the way in the CAF Champions League despite their relative inexperience.
Pirates have managed five points from their three Champions League group games, following a 2-1 win over CR Belouizdad of Algeria, a goalless draw with holders Al Ahly and last weekend’s 1-1 stalemate with Stade d’Abidjan from Ivory Coast.
It leaves them on top of Group C, one point more than Al Ahly, and two better than Belouizdad, although the aforementioned have played a game less, while Stade d’Abidjan have one from three matches.
It is a start that has left Nkota believing that his team can put on a great run and make it to the final, something they last did in 2013.
Nkota has big ambitions for the Bucs
“We believe we can reach the final, but we need to stay humble and focus on winning every remaining game while improving ourselves,” Nkota told CAF.
Pirates, who are in the group stages for the first time since 2019, are one of two South African sides in the Champions League, the other one being Mamelodi Sundowns, who have also accumulated five points from their first three games although their run has had some bumps on the road.
“We’re focused on ourselves, not Sundowns. We already have a star on our badge, and now we want another,” added the 20-year-old.
“Our aim is to be the best and achieve our own goals. I think we just need to work on ourselves and remain humble at all times.”
Can Pirates make it to CAF CL final?
Nkota has been one of the bright spots for Pirates, scoring four goals in 10 games across all competitions, since his promotion to the senior team in September.
Two of those goals came in the 2-1 win over Belouizdad and the Buccaneers will be hoping that he can maintain such form as they look forward to their next game.
The 1995 champions will be back in the Champions League next year when they host Stade d’Abidjan at the Orlando Stadium on January 3.
