Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori has opened up on their return to the CAF Champions League and a ‘painful’ experience he suffered last year.
Ofori, who was shoo-in to be part of the Black Stars side, sustained an injury in the MTN8 final when Pirates beat AmaZulu in November, before the World Cup.
He was then ruled out of the tournament, with Ghana’s former coach Otto Oddo calling for Lawrence Ati Zigi, Abdul Manaf and Ibrahim Danlad, though Ghana crashed out in the group stages.
“Missing the World Cup was very challenging because every player’s dream is to play the biggest tournaments in the world. I was very disappointed not to be there,” said Ofori, who is the vice-captain of Ghana.
Ofori, who has seen competition at Pirates intensify as Bucs bolstered their goalkeeping department with the signing of Melusi Buthelezi on top of Sipho Chaine and Siyabonga Mpontshane, is looking forward to what will be a busy season for the Bucs, including the participation in the CAF Champions League.
Ofori is in Spain for pre-season camp this week, where they will face Maccabi Tel Aviv on 13 July, Independiente del Valle on 15 July and UD Las Palmas on July 19.
“The CAF Champions League is one of the biggest tournaments we have on the African continent and it’s a dream to play in it,” said Ofori.
“The competition is very good. As Orlando Pirates, we are in it to compete and not just there to add numbers. We’re going there to compete, and the other clubs know what Orlando Pirates can offer on a good day.”
