sportskeeda
Former Orlando Pirates assistant coach Teboho Moloi has commended the club’s present generation, suggesting they might surpass the double-treble winning squads he once guided.
Moloi was instrumental on the technical staff, serving as assistant coach during Orlando Pirates’ inaugural treble in the 2010/11 season, where they claimed victory in the MTN8, league title, and Nedbank Cup under Ruud Krol.
This impressive achievement was replicated in the following season, capturing the MTN8, Telkom Knockout, and league title with the direction of Julio Cesar and Augusto Palacios.
Pirates also reached the CAF Champions League final in 2013 under Roger de Sa’s leadership, but unfortunately lost to Al Ahly from Egypt. Two years later, they made it to the CAF Confederation Cup final but were outmatched by Etoile du Sahel from Tunisia under Eric Tinkler.
The current Orlando Pirates team has demonstrated remarkable consistency, securing the MTN8 title three times consecutively under the departing coach Jose Riveiro. They are also set to compete in their third straight Nedbank Cup final, following their semi-final victory last weekend, facing off against Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on May 10.
“I have consistently stated that this is a distinctive group,” Moloi expressed. “I underscored the importance for our players to genuinely grasp what it means to be ‘special.’ They differentiate themselves from the treble and double treble teams, as well as the squad that reached the CAF Champions League [2013] and CAF Confederations Cup [2015] finals.
“These young men are still navigating their journey, yet they are consistently winning trophies. To me, their understanding of what it means to wear the Pirates jersey and achieve what they have is quite remarkable.
“I anticipated their success this year. As I’ve always suggested, let’s refrain from placing them under excessive pressure. Allow them to savor the achievements that lie ahead.
“In 1993, our chairman tasked us with winning the Iwisa Spectacular, followed by the BP Top 8.
“If you can conquer these two trophies, you’ll see significant progress, and this generation, even in adversity, garners support, with fans singing.
“When have you seen Pirates dominating a game post-defeat while their supporters keep singing? Such a phenomenon is unprecedented. I’ve always felt something extraordinary about these players.”
Furthermore, this current Pirates side has advanced to the CAF Champions League semi-final, where they will meet Egyptian club Pyramids at FNB Stadium this weekend for the first leg.
Moloi, who shares a deep connection with Orlando Pirates as both a former player and son of club legend Chippa Moloi, is optimistic about this group achieving great heights, potentially winning the CAF premier club tournament.
“I am confident they have what it takes to go all the way,” Moloi stated, having served as assistant coach during Pirates’ previous runs to the Champions League and Confederation Cup finals. “As I said before, let’s not burden them with undue expectations like, ‘Now that you’ve reached the semi-finals, you must get to the finals and bring home the second star [by winning the Champions League].’ Let them bask in their successes; let’s enjoy and give our coach [Riveiro] a fitting farewell in South African football.
“At Orlando Pirates, we have two players who have received farewells, and I see Riveiro as the first coach deserving of such recognition.
“When my father left football, he was honored with a farewell. Jomo Sono was recognized when he departed Pirates to create Jomo Cosmos in 1986.
“Right now, we have a coach who has unified everyone—from my generation, the double treble era, to this current squad.
“There’s an infectious happiness whenever Pirates play, and the stadium is filled to capacity…
“They comprehend their role, are aware of the expectations set upon them, and excel at bringing joy to everyone.”
