Orlando Pirates have been tipped to reach at least the last four of the Caf Champions League after a relatively good start to the ongoing campaign by their former player Hleza Mofedi.
The Soweto giants started with a 2-1 win over CR Belouizdad in Group C before 0-0 and 1-1 draws against the defending champions Al Ahly and Stade d'Abidjan respectively. The five points collected have put them on top of the pool.
The 45-year-old has, however, questioned for how long the Sea Robbers can deliver with what he feels is a thin squad.
Bucs' Premier Soccer League matches were postponed to give the team enough time to prepare for the continental assignments.
Do Pirates need new players?
“It's a time of mixed feelings at Pirates, even though we've dropped crucial points, especially against Al Ahly, who came here looking for a draw,” Mofedi told SNL24.
“As for Stade d'Abidjan, to be honest, we allowed them to escape without punishment. Right now, Pirates are relying on the same players for all their matches in Africa and in domestic football.
“The PSL's decision to postpone league matches has been beneficial for Pirates. Given the number of games they might have to play, they wouldn't be able to manage the schedule. The squad simply wouldn't cope with the demands of playing week in and week out in both the Champions League and the domestic league,” he concluded.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, the Buccaneers have been linked with Oswin Appollis and Thabang Matuludi who have been consistent for Polokwane City.
