Well-known football analyst Junior Khanye has admitted to being humbled following Orlando Pirates’ continued success on the continental stage.
The Buccaneers have advanced to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League after edging MC Alger of Algeria 1-0 on aggregate.
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Pirates held the Algerian giants to a goalless draw at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening, securing their progression after a crucial first-leg win away from home.
With this achievement, the Soweto giants have set up a mouthwatering semi-final clash against Egypt’s Pyramids FC in what promises to be a thrilling two-legged encounter.
At the beginning of Bucs’ continental campaign, Khanye had been sceptical of the team's prospects under head coach Jose Riveiro, suggesting they wouldn’t make it past the group stage.
Now, with Pirates not only in the semi-finals but also the only unbeaten team in this year’s tournament, Khanye has graciously acknowledged the team’s growth and performance.
Khanye acknowledged Pirates as one of the most exciting teams in South African football at the moment.
He praised their attacking brand of football and highlighted the wealth of young talent in the squad – singling out players such as Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Thalente Mbatha, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi as standout talents.
He commended the club’s sharp eye for talent, saying that Pirates deserve credit for the way they’ve identified and developed young stars.
“Yes, congratulations to Orlando Pirates, they are one of the exciting teams in South African football right now. Obviously, Pirates are a big team, and right now with the way they are playing, they are the second best team in the league, in my opinion, after Mamelodi Sundowns. Pirates are one of the best attacking teams in the country in the way they play, and they are exciting to watch. They have some exciting youngsters in their squad, and everyone knows them, I’m talking about talented players like Relebohile Mofokeng, (Mohau) Nkota, Thalente Mbatha and Mbekezeli Mbokazi. In terms of identifying talent, I give that to Orlando Pirates,” said Khanye, speaking exclusively to the Siya crew.
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While expressing admiration for how far the team has come, Khanye remained cautious in his overall assessment, stating that while they are currently favourites, he still doesn’t believe they will go on to lift the trophy.
“They have proved me wrong, and I applaud them for that. Having said that, I haven’t seen enough of them and what they can do in this competition. I am not convinced. But yes, they have proven me wrong for reaching where they have reached, and they are one of the best teams in this competition. As things stand, they are the favourites, but I don’t see them winning the tournament,” concluded Khanye.
