Segolela Slams Orlando Pirates With a Firm Message Regarding Their Chances in the CAF Champions League

As the Soweto giants are ready to take on another challenge in Africa, former Orlando Pirates winger Tlou Segolela has sent a stern message, stating that the club's ultimate goal should be to win a second CAF Champions League title.

Although the Buccaneers have a long and storied history in South African football, it has taken decades for the club's fans to finally witness them win the club football championship of Africa. The moment has arrived, in Segolela's opinion, for the Pirates to fulfilll their continental dreams and adorn their renowned insignia with a second star.

In 1995, Pirates achieved a first by becoming one of the top clubs in Africa when they won the CAF Champions League. However, they have yet to match that achievement, despite reaching the final in 2013 and enjoying multiple good campaigns in domestic championships.

While domestic trophy hauls are vital to Segolela, the club's European success is still the yardstick by which they are judged.

In an earlier interview, the ex-winger reaffirmed the Buccaneers' commitment to the Champions League and voiced his faith in head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou's leadership of the team.

Segolela emphasised the coach's impact, squad unity, and the mood within the dressing room when discussing the club's aspirations earlier this year.

According to him, the Pirates have come a long way under Ouaddou, but they still have a long way to go before they can compete with the best teams in Africa.

With their 5-0 aggregate victory over African Stars, the Soweto giants have guarantyd their spot in the 2026–27 CAF Champions League group stage, therefore the timing of the statement couldn't be more appropriate.

Reviving hope for a good European campaign, Pirates completed the qualification process with a 4-0 win in the second leg at Orlando Amstel Arena.

The club should not be scared to aim for a second Champions League title, as Ouaddou has openly urged his players to dream big.

However, the group stage will give a considerably harsher examination of their skill, consistency and ability to handle pressure away from home.

If the Buccaneers want to keep winning at home, they'll need to use both their offensive and defensive talents.

Pirates must strive for more than just playing in Africa's top club league; this much is evident to Segolela.

If the Soweto giants can't take another step toward adding that long-awaited second star to their emblem, the next few months could be pivotal in satisfying the hunger of their supporters for continental triumph.

The sentence is a citation for an article from KickOff Magazine.