‘They are different from our treble-winning team’, says Orlando Pirates legend

Orlando Pirates legend Teboho Moloi believes that the current team is different from the one that achieved the double treble over a decade ago.

Between 2010 and 2014, the Buccaneers won seven trophies and reached the final of the CAF Champions League. Under the leadership of current coach Jose Riveiro, the Sea Robbers have secured five trophies in three seasons and still have the potential to win more.

Moloi hopes that fortune will favour Orlando Pirates as they strive to add another star to their history.

“I’m very disappointed that CAF has again given us the first leg at home,” he said this week. “It seems like all the North African sides always get the second leg … but now, since the stars are shining on us, I hope that the star that is shining on us can shine the way it shone in 1995.”

Orlando Pirates have not won the CAF CL since 1995

“I have said before that I wish one day we can have two South African teams in the final of the Champions League, so that we can send the message to the Northern Hemisphere that we do have football in the Southern Hemisphere.”

Moloi has been impressed with Riveiro’s squad, saying it matches up to the previous teams, especially the double treble team.

“I have always said that this is a special group, and I emphasise that our players need to understand the word ‘special’. “They are different from our treble-and double-treble-winning teams, and the team that reached the finals of the Champions League (in 2013) and the final of the Confederation Cup (in 2022).

Orlando Pirates have a chance to create history

“These are young boys. They are still trying to find their feet, but they are bringing trophies and, for me, with them understanding what it takes to wear the Pirates shirt and to be where they are, I am actually not surprised.

“I expected them to perform the way they are performing, and I believe they can go all the way,” Moloi added

Orlando Pirates can still claim a treble if they win the Nedbank and the league or the CAF Champions League.

Can Pirates claim a treble this season?

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