Orlando Pirates’ squad depth to be tested – Benni McCarthy
Benni McCarthy, the 47-year-old African football legend, has weighed in on Orlando Pirates’ pursuit of their first continental championship since 1995.
Having spent time at the club between 2011 and 2013, McCarthy knows the high expectations that come with playing for the Buccaneers and the pressure of chasing glory on the continental stage.
McCarthy, who shook the continental stage in the 1998 edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Burkina Faso, where South Africa finished second, is regarded as one of the country’s best exports.
The former striker believes that Pirates' squad depth will be a crucial factor as they aim to secure the CAF Champions League title.
With the club's last continental success coming nearly three decades ago, the current Pirates squad has the potential to make history, but only if they can handle the intense competition and pressure that comes with African football's premier competition according to McCarthy.
"Pirates have done well so far, there will come a point where they have to prioritise because Pirates have not played in the Champions League for a couple of years now. Sundowns have year in, year out, so they are probably more advanced than Pirates in this situation with all the travelling and then coming back a day before match and having to prepare already to go and play in the league,” says McCarthy.
The former striker highlighted that the team's depth will be tested more than ever before, especially as they face off against some of the top clubs from across Africa.
Pirates have strengthened their squad in recent seasons, bringing in talented players, but McCarthy knows that it will take more than just quality on paper to go all the way in the CAF Champions League.
"It's going to be tough for them. So, I hope they have a big enough squad and enough squad depth that they can rotate because they're going to have to do that. They're going to have to rotate and it has to be spot on as well. You can't be thinking that you don't need to win these games because when you're on the heels of Sundowns whose machine continuously knows how to win.
"But I think they can manage. They are managing really good so far and it's just about how much they can keep their best players [available] that's the most important thing, not getting injuries. But we wish them more than luck because so far so good and that’s only another strength for South African football.”
As Pirates set their sights on continental glory, they must rely on their squad's depth and the tactical acumen of coach Jose Riveiro and his coaching staff to navigate the rigors of the competition.