Orlando Pirates legend Teboho Moloi has attributed his former outfit elimination from the CAF Champions League to inexperience.
The South African giants fell short to Egyptian club Pyramids FC in the semifinals of the CAF’s elite club competition. The first leg held at the iconic FNB Stadium ended in a pulsating goalless draw before Pyramids prevailed in the second leg with a 3-2 victory over Pirates.
Speaking in an interview, Moloi, a former player and a coach blamed inexperience for Orlando Pirates inability to overcome Pyramids in the semifinals.
“This is not a train wreck. We cannot blame them. The same thing happened to us in 2006 against Sfaxien when we were inexperienced. All of us on the bench, just like the players, were raw. That’s why in the second period, with players like Happy Jele and Andile Jali, we were able to reach the final. All of this shows how much the young ‘pirates’ squad has grown in this tournament.
Just note how many defenders were closing down Mofokeng every time he was on the ball. Participation in the Champions League has been hugely beneficial for the ‘pirates’. They gained invaluable experience. Now they know what to expect, and it was a learning curve. Next time they get the chance, I believe they will reach the final,” Moloi stated.
Meanwhile, fellow South African club Mamelodi Sundown has set up a tie against Pyramids in the finals of this year’s Champions League.
