Moremi targets CAF Champions League as Orlando Pirates begin title defence

Tshepang Moremi says Orlando Pirates’ treble-winning campaign was “only the start” as the midfielder sets his sights on the CAF Champions League ahead of the club’s South African league title defence.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a standout first season in Soweto after joining Pirates from AmaZulu, helping the Buccaneers secure three trophies, including a first league crown in 14 years.

Moremi was also part of the Bafana Bafana squad at the recent Fifa World Cup, capping a breakthrough year in which he quickly became one of Pirates’ key attacking threats.

The defending champions begin their new league campaign on Saturday at Orlando Amstel Arena, where they host top-flight newcomers Milford at 15:00.

“I’ve still got more to offer”

Moremi insists his performances last term were only a glimpse of what he believes he can deliver now that he has fully settled at the club.

“There’s more to come because last season was my first at Pirates, so I was still adapting to life at the club. Now my confidence has grown, especially after winning three trophies and going to the World Cup,” he said.

“I’ve also won the MTN8 Last Man Standing award, so my confidence is really high. The aim is to continue working hard to make sure we achieve more than we achieved last season.”

Explosive first year at Pirates

Having arrived from AmaZulu at the start of last season, Moremi made an immediate impact, lifting his first piece of silverware with Pirates when they won the MTN8 less than three months after his move.

His performances in that competition saw him voted Player of the Tournament, underlining his rapid rise within the squad.

Across all competitions last season, the Sharpeville-born midfielder scored 11 goals and provided five assists, making decisive contributions in the club’s domestic success.

Champions League the “biggest target”

While Pirates are preparing to defend their league title, Moremi has been clear that the continent’s premier club competition is at the forefront of the team’s ambitions.

“We want the Champions League this season, and we are fetching it. That’s our aim this season,” he said.

The CAF Champions League would add a major international honour to a side that has already re-established itself as a dominant force domestically after ending a lengthy wait for the league trophy.

Background to a breakthrough season

Moremi’s rapid progression from AmaZulu regular to Orlando Pirates star and World Cup squad member has transformed his profile over the past year.

His emergence has coincided with Pirates’ resurgence, as the club converted domestic promise into tangible success with three trophies in a single campaign, highlighted by their long-awaited league triumph.

With his confidence boosted by club honours, an individual MTN8 award and World Cup experience with Bafana Bafana, Moremi heads into the new season determined to elevate both his own game and Pirates’ status on the African stage.