Orlando Pirates are touted for success in the CAF Champions League after reaching the group stages and now aim for further progress.
The Buccaneers defeated Botswana's Jwaneng Galaxy 1-0 in their second leg of the second preliminary round tie at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
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The aggregate score was 3-0 as Ezimnyama are yet to concede after four matches in the competition and with seven goals scored.
"We can go beyond the group stages and I'm just hoping that the team gets protection from the match officials. I'm hoping that we can get satisfactory treatment wherever the team will be travelling during their campaign. I know that mentally and physically, Orlando Pirates players are strong and will be ready for the challenge. Pirates have got players who come from humble beginnings and are blessed with talent, and they know that playing in the Champions League is an opportunity for them to grow their football at the highest level. I'm talking about players like Tito (Patrick Maswanganyi), (Relebohile) Mofokeng and all the good players in the team," said former Pirates striker James Mothibi, speaking to the Siya crew.
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"With the good mixture of experienced and young players at Pirates, I see the team going as far as the final of the competition. That's the belief I have in the team under coach Jose Riveiro and his technical staff. I wish them everything of the best and I am 100% behind them. They are going there to represent the country and the people who died for this great club. They are going there to represent the chairman, management, as well as their own families. There will always be those people who will want to say negative things about the club but the most important thing for the team to do is to continue winning. The team has won six and drawn two from their last eight matches, and why should we try to fix what's not broken? Whoever is feeling like they can criticise Riveiro, they must first understand the fundamental factors of football. I'm a very humble person who doesn't disrespect the philosophies of the coaches," Mothibi added.
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