Moremi targets CAF Champions League glory after trophy-laden debut season at Orlando Pirates

Tshepang Moremi says Orlando Pirates have set their sights firmly on lifting the CAF Champions League this season after a standout debut campaign in which he helped the club to three trophies, including a first league title in 14 years.

The 24-year-old attacking midfielder, who joined Pirates from AmaZulu at the start of last season, was a key figure in a resurgent side that swept to domestic success and earned him a place in the Bafana Bafana squad at the recent Fifa World Cup.

Moremi believes the experience of winning silverware and playing on the global stage has given him the platform to reach new heights in his second year 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.”

Trophy-winning impact

Moremi made an immediate impression in Soweto after arriving from AmaZulu, securing his first piece of silverware with Pirates when they clinched the MTN8 barely three months into his spell at the club.

His performances in that competition saw him named the MTN8 Last Man Standing, recognising him as the standout player in the tournament.

Across all competitions last season, the Sharpeville-born midfielder scored 11 goals and provided five assists, underlining his influence in the team’s attacking play as Pirates completed a treble of three cup successes, including the long-awaited league crown.

Champions League ambition

With domestic honours already secured in his first campaign, Moremi says the squad’s main objective now is to conquer the continent.

“We want the Champions League this season, and we are fetching it; that’s our aim this season,” he declared, making clear that the CAF Champions League is viewed inside the camp as the next step in the club’s progression.

Pirates, who last won Africa’s premier club competition in 1995, will enter the new season buoyed by their domestic dominance and the confidence of players such as Moremi, who insist they have more to offer.

League title defence begins

Pirates begin the defence of their league title at home to newly promoted Milford on Saturday, with the match scheduled for 15:00 at Orlando Amstel Arena.

That fixture opens a busy first weekend of league action:

– Saturday: Orlando Pirates v Milford, Orlando Amstel Arena (15:30); Stellenbosch v AmaZulu, Danie Craven (15:30); Golden Arrows v Chippa, King Zwelithini (15:30); Mamelodi Sundowns v Marumo Gallants, Loftus Versfeld (18:00); Sekhukhune v Durban, Peter Mokaba (18:00); Kruger v Kaizer Chiefs, Mbombela (20:15).

– Sunday: Richards Bay v Polokwane, Richards Bay (15:30); Siwelele v TS Galaxy, Dr Molemela (18:00).

As Pirates prepare to launch their title defence and embark on another campaign at home and in Africa, Moremi insists both he and the team are determined to build on a memorable first season together.