Former Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele has boldly declared that the club have the potential to claim both the Premiership and CAF Champions League titles this season.
Speaking to the media in Durban, Jele highlighted the optimism within the Pirates camp, despite the underlying challenges facing the club as they strive for silverware on two fronts.
The Buccaneers currently find themselves locked in a fierce battle for supremacy in the Premiership, neck-and-neck with reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns, with the Brazilians just edging ahead on goal difference.
☠️ ⏪️ 𝗬𝗔𝗗𝗛𝗖𝗧𝗔𝗠 ⏪️
🎤 Sipho Chaine
🆚 @AlAhly
🏟 Orlando Stadium
🗓️ 07 Dec 2024
⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/Kb7mUjQv7k
This intense rivalry underscores the high stakes as Pirates aim to reclaim the domestic title that has eluded them for 12 long years.
Their last league triumph was in the 2011/2012 season, a title drought that fans are eager to see ending soon.
On the continental front, Pirates are equally ambitious. Under the guidance of head coach Jose Riveiro, they are on their second successive campaign in the CAF Champions League, and are currently tied on points with Al Ahly in their group.
Having already secured five domestic cup titles during Riveiro’s tenure, there is an insatiable desire for the club to make a historic mark in both domestic and international competitions.
Critiques regarding the squad’s depth and consistency have emerged, with suggestions that Riveiro may need to prioritise one competition over the other.
However, Jele believes such considerations should not limit the aspirations of Pirates.
“Why should they choose? As a football player, when an opportunity comes, you want to grab it,” he stated emphatically.
“If it comes in the league, take it, and if it comes in the Champions League, you take it. If you are a footballer, you have to think about each and every cup.”
This Nkota kid 💀😮💨
— Smiso Msomi (@ScribeSmiso) November 26, 2024
Pirates 2-0 up against CR Beluizdad inside 28 minutes.
19 year old Mohau Nkota with a brace 🔥#CAFChampionsLeague
After a two-week period dedicated solely to continental ambitions, Pirates showcased their resilience and capacity for greatness with a commendable performance against Egyptian giants Al Ahly last weekend, which ended without defeat.
This result follows a successful outing against CR Belouizdad in Algeria, landing the club a vital four points ahead of an upcoming clash in the Ivory Coast.
As Pirates gear up to face Stade D’Abidjan on Saturday night in their third-round match at the Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny (6pm kick-off), Jele emphasised the importance of securing results away from home.
“On the continent, they’ve started well, but the most important thing for me is to protect them when they’re playing away,” he said.
“They need to get results away, even if they don’t win. But they should draw at least because the most important thing is getting out of the group,” he advised.
This strategic approach could set the tone for a potential deep run in the tournament.
West African side Stade D’Abidjan are yet to secure a point after two matches, and will be eager to turn their fortunes around on home soil against a buoyant Pirates side looking to maintain their unbeaten streak.