Pirates told to ‘chase the star’ as Chikoya backs transfer policy and Champions League push

Orlando Pirates have been urged to use their bold transfer business as a springboard to conquer Africa, with club legend Innocent Chikoya insisting the Soweto giants must now emulate Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League.

The former Buccaneers winger believes Pirates’ recruitment drive – coming off a season in which they lifted three trophies – has positioned the club to target the one prize that continues to elude them: another continental star above their badge.

“If you look at the signings, it’s proven players and there are also young players. I think I like the book that they are now following. It’s taking players that are proven and young,” Chikoya told Soccer Laduma in an exclusive interview.

“If you see the team’s movement, it attracts a lot of players, good players and if you are a youngster, you definitely want to see yourself in that Pirates team. I like what’s happening,” he added.

‘We need to put another star on our shirt’

Chikoya, who was born in Zimbabwe and made his name with Pirates, says the club cannot be content with merely defending domestic honours after their recent success. Instead, he argues, they must approach the new season as if they are hunting fresh silverware on every front – especially in Africa.

“I always say, man, if you’re playing for a big team, especially Pirates, you don’t have anything to defend, because the previous season is gone. You still need to achieve again in the following season,” he said.

“Right now, we’ve got pressure because Mamelodi Sundowns have got two stars above their badge. It’s telling us that we need to put another star on our shirt as well. Yes, we must defend all our trophies and do even more than that, so that we do better than last season. We need to add the one that we didn’t take last season, and that’s the star itself.”

Sundowns, who have become the dominant force in South African football and a regular presence in the latter stages of the Champions League, are the benchmark Chikoya believes Pirates must now match and surpass.

Balancing proven quality with youth

Pirates have moved aggressively in the transfer window after a highly successful domestic campaign, with Chikoya particularly impressed by what he sees as a deliberate blend of experience and youth.

He says that combination, alongside the club’s stature and recent trophy haul, is making the Buccaneers an increasingly attractive destination for ambitious players.

“If you see the team’s movement, it attracts a lot of players, good players and if you are a youngster, you definitely want to see yourself in that Pirates team,” he explained.

For the ex-winger, that strategy mirrors the approach of leading clubs on the continent, where depth and competition for places are regarded as crucial to juggling domestic and continental demands across a long season.

Advice to new signings: ‘Follow the blueprint’

Chikoya also issued a pointed message to Pirates’ new recruits: the environment for success is in place, but attitude and application will determine whether they flourish.

“I think they’ve seen the blueprint. Coming to Pirates, you’ve seen the blueprint of the team. You just need to come there level-headed, put your heart in it, work hard and everything will follow,” he said.

“Pirates is a huge brand and if you do the right things at the club, you’ll become one of the best players. Look at what Relebohile (Mofokeng) has achieved at only 21.

“He has won almost all the trophies in South Africa. From DDC, he knew the pressure and he has become accustomed to the pressure of the club. You never heard anything negative about that young boy. I’ll give you another example, even Mohau (Nkota) and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, no noise. Play your football and work as hard as you can. The sky is the limit, not for Sundowns but for Pirates,” Chikoya concluded.

With pre-season already under way and Pirates testing themselves against international opposition, Chikoya’s comments underline a growing expectation around the club: domestic titles are no longer enough, and the real measure of success will be whether the Buccaneers can once again rise to the summit of African football.