Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa says they want to become a team that regularly competes for the CAF Champions League, citing an example of Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pirates face off against Jwaneng in their first leg 2nd proud preliminary qualifier on Saturday in Botswana – the team that knocked them out the competition at the same stage last season.
It was seen as a major disappointment for the club who have known to impress in CAF inter-club competitions and Mabasa said it’s a key target for them in order to progress as a group and as individuals, picking up valuable experience on the continent.
“The pressure we get, it’s different competition [in Africa], it’s a different test, different teams than what we’re used to, lots of international players in these teams and it can help improve us as players, as you see with Sundowns,” Mabasa said.
“The more they play in the CAF Champions League, the better they become, the same as AFCON, if you play games in CAF, the better you become as a group and individually as well.
“So hopefully being in the CAF Champions League will help us and going into this game as well, we’ll take our lessons from it and continue to improve together as a team.”
With Jwaneng beating Pirates on penalties last season at Orlando Stadium, the 2023/24 Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot winner has warned, it’s a different team this time around.
“Look, a lot of people have been talking about Jwaneng and what happened last season but this is a new season, a new Orlando Pirates, one that managed to create a lot of chances and takes their chances,” he said.
“So going into the game, we are very motivated you know, this club deserves to play in the Champions League each and every season and not only play in it, but to compete and that is exactly what we’re going out to do this weekend. It will be a difficult encounter but we are well prepared for it.”
The Buccaneers face off against the Botswana Premier League champions at the National Stadium on Saturday (16h30).
