The race for the CAF Champions league spot is exciting to watch.
The stubborn Richards Bay is currently occupying the all-important second spot, with Supersport United behind them, and Orlando Pirates sitting in fourth position.
While Kaizer Chiefs coach, Arthur Zwane has made known his desire to finish second and qualify for CAF Champions League, it is Orlando Pirates who would be the ideal candidates to represent South Africa in the continental premier showpiece.
Also Read: Vincent Pule on Pirates Intentions
But why Orlando Pirates and not Kaizer Chiefs?
Kaizer Chiefs, as we all know, are in the middle of a rebuilding process.
It is something that takes time, and is always full of ups and downs, as we have seen with Amakhosi’s inconsistency when it comes to performances and match results.
South African teams need to compete and do well in the CAF Champions League, which might have a ripple effect on Bafana Bafana.
Hugo Broos can do with an expanded pool of players to choose from, and players who compete against the best Africa has to offer, in the Champions League, are ideal for the national team.
At the moment, Amakhosi need to focus on rebuilding the team, while the process looks promising, and the team is slowly taking shape, there is still a lot of work to be done.
Players in key positions still need to be signed, depth needs to be created, and even the technical team must be beefed up.
Handling both the Champions League and domestic football might not be ideal for Amakhosi at the moment.
On the other hand, despite their challenges, Orlando Pirates looks more settled. They have a good squad of players, behind only that of Mamelodi Sundowns in terms of talent and depth.
With the experience of Ofori, Maela, Sibisi, Xoki, Ndah, Timm, Motshwari, Pule, Erasmus, etc, Pirates have a team ready to compete and do well in Africa.
Add to that the likes of Monyane, Saleng, Lepasa, Dlamini, Shandu, and others, who can use more experience from Africa to develop further as footballers.
Unpopular opinion it might be, but Orlando Pirates, rather than Kaizer Chiefs, would be an ideal team to accompany Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League.
