WITH the African Champions League now behind them, Orlando Pirates face a big challenge of fixture congestion.
But stand-in captain Happy Jele is not bothered, saying they just want to get the team out of the relegation zone and challenge for the Absa Premiership.
Speaking at the OR Tambo International Airport yesterday on their return from Egypt, where they won a silver medal in the African Champions League, Jele said they have a big pool of players to deal with the challenge.
Pirates are languishing at the bottom of the log with four points from three matches, but Jele is confident they will soon be out of the relegation zone.
“We know it will be a hectic schedule for us because we will play three games in a week to catch up with the rest of the other clubs, but we are ready.
“Our advantage is that we have some of the players who did not feature in the Champions League.
“But we want the team to be right on top of the log at the end of the season so that we can go back to the Champions League.”
Jele also used the opportunity to thank South Africans for embracing their team during their Champions League campaign.
“It has been a wonderful experience for all of us to have supporters of other clubs coming to welcome us.”
Jele’s sentiments were echoed by ace midfielder Oupa Manyisa, who said: “Half a loaf is better than nothing, but we really wanted the second star. We want to win the league so that we can go back to the Champions League and add the second star.”
Meanwhile, a red carpet was rolled out for Pirates after touching down at the airport.
Supporters from various clubs were also there to welcome Pirates.
Popular Chiefs fan Victor Mukwevho said: “Pirates made us proud by coming back with a silver medal, hence we are here to welcome them as they were representing South Africa.”
Pirates now look to get back to top league spot
But stand-in captain Happy Jele is not bothered, saying they just want to get the team out of the relegation zone and challenge for the Absa Premiership.
Speaking at the OR Tambo International Airport yesterday on their return from Egypt, where they won a silver medal in the African Champions League, Jele said they have a big pool of players to deal with the challenge.
Pirates are languishing at the bottom of the log with four points from three matches, but Jele is confident they will soon be out of the relegation zone.
“We know it will be a hectic schedule for us because we will play three games in a week to catch up with the rest of the other clubs, but we are ready.
“Our advantage is that we have some of the players who did not feature in the Champions League.
“But we want the team to be right on top of the log at the end of the season so that we can go back to the Champions League.”
Jele also used the opportunity to thank South Africans for embracing their team during their Champions League campaign.
“It has been a wonderful experience for all of us to have supporters of other clubs coming to welcome us.”
Jele’s sentiments were echoed by ace midfielder Oupa Manyisa, who said: “Half a loaf is better than nothing, but we really wanted the second star. We want to win the league so that we can go back to the Champions League and add the second star.”
Meanwhile, a red carpet was rolled out for Pirates after touching down at the airport.
Supporters from various clubs were also there to welcome Pirates.
Popular Chiefs fan Victor Mukwevho said: “Pirates made us proud by coming back with a silver medal, hence we are here to welcome them as they were representing South Africa.”
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