Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo is anticipating a stronger performance from Orlando Pirates despite their elimination from the Caf Champions League.
After a goalless draw in the first leg of the semi-final, played at the Orlando Stadium, the Sea Robbers suffered a 3-2 loss in Cairo on Friday night. The Democratic Republic of Congo international Fiston Mayele scored a brace, with Ramadan Sobhi getting the other goal for the Egyptian outfit.
The Jose Riveiro-led Bucs scored their two goals through youngsters Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota.
While the Soweto giants fell in the last-four hurdle, Mamelodi Sundowns remained on course after eliminating the defending champions Al Ahly to set up a final with Pyramids. In his analysis on SABC2, the former Bafana Bafana attacker has opined on the impact the loss might have on the Buccaneers.
‘Pirates never let up, they lost fighting' – Khumalo
“A very positive note, a very dejected Orlando Pirates, disappointed, Where I’m seated I’m proud of those boys. Because they showed up. They never let up, they lost fighting,” he stated.
“They might have lost, but wait until the next five years and see the character that will come out of them. Because it’s not about what happened now. These boys were thrown in the deep end and they handled it. Riveiro threw Nkota, Mofokeng, name them all, Thalente Mbatha, but these boys they’ll give character out of this loss.
“And these are the boys, mark my words, you’ll see these boys shining again,” he concluded.
Bucs will now turn their attention to the domestic assignments, where they are in the Nedbank Cup final and in the race for the Premier Soccer League title
