Mark Fish identifies Orlando Pirates’ secret weapon in CAF Champions League
· The South African
Orlando Pirates legend Mark Fish has urged the Buccaneers to prioritise their CAF Champions League campaign this season.
The retired defender was part of the Pirates side that won the club’s only Champions League title in 1995.
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The Buccaneers begin their continental campaign this weekend when they face Mauritian champions La Cure Waves in the first round of the preliminary stage.
Speaking to former Orlando Pirates winger Lebohang Mokoena, Fish highlighted the club’s ambition to win a second African title.
“I know the chairman, deep down, his passion for Africa. We know it, and they desire to go into Africa and win it. This weekend, they’re travelling to Mauritius, and it’s important for them to get a result there,” he said on Soccerbeat.
The former Lazio defender believes Pirates’ experienced players could prove crucial during their CAF campaign, particularly when it comes to helping the younger members of the squad adapt to continental football.
“You have players that have moved on and then new players, so that’s exciting. They have experienced players who have experienced Africa, and young players who don’t know it, so it’s an opportunity for them to express themselves.
“I do believe the coach will know how to handle the players.”
Fish confident Orlando Pirates can go all the way
Fish believes Pirates should set their sights on reaching the group stages before assessing how far they can go in the competition.
“You have to take it one game at a time. Reach the group stages and see how it goes,” he added.
Fish also noted that Pirates will not have it easy in the league and cup competitions, with Mamelodi Sundowns looking to challenge for all trophies on offer.
“When it comes to the league, you’ll have the same teams pushing you and pushing each other. They (Pirates and Sundowns) are meeting each other in the cup final, so it’s no surprise there,” he said.