Orlando Pirates defender Thabiso Monyane has won back to back titles of the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup. The 24-year-old has revealed he has a bigger dream.
ORLANDO PIRATES STAR THABISO MONYANE TARGETS THE CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Speaking to the media after winning the Nedbank Cup against Mamelodi Sundowns, the speedy right-back has said his eyes are on the CAF Champions League trophy with no other club besides Orlando Pirates.
“Pirates is a big team and like we said ourselves at the beginning of the season that Pirates deserves and must be playing in the Champions League year in, year out,” Monyane told IDiski Times.
“And it’s our responsibility as players to work hard to actually make that happen so that Pirates can be able to compete for that second star. That’s one of the biggest objectives that I myself also have as an individual.
“I don’t see myself leaving this club without getting that second star. That’s one of my biggest goals as an individual and as a footballer of Orlando Pirates football club,” Monyane concluded.
HOW TO CATCH MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is dreaming of the DStv Premiership trophy. Standing in the way are the indomitable Mamelodi Sundowns. The Spaniard believes the Sea Robbers have to match Kabo Yellow’s consistency and maturity.
The Buccaneers were one of the best teams in South Africa last season. Orlando Pirates lifted the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup, but finished second in the DStv Premiership with 23 points behind Sundowns. To become champions next season, while also playing in the CAF Champions League, Riviero has outline the levels his team need to reach.
“I think to be the best team after 30 games, you need to have that consistency, understanding that the team dominating the league is setting high standards in terms of points season after season,” the Orlando Pirates mentor said via FARPost.
“It’s a question of, in my opinion, we get more mature, I’m talking about players and staff…. That maturity to accept the challenge every three days and not just sometimes. That’s the difference for me between a team that can really think about being the league championship or not.
Furthermore, the Spaniard believes the club has the required assets but need to excel on mentality and maximum team work.
“Everything else is there. The talent, the opportunity, the resources. Everything is in place. It’s about us, as a group, to create that culture. That mentality to accept the challenge every two or three days no matter where, no matter who. No matter the circumstances, we will get the results. We’re in the process of making that possible. Unfortunately, this season, we were not always good enough; sometimes, we were not lucky,” the Orlando Pirates tactician added.