Following a damaging defeat to Marumo Gallants, the general sentiment regarding Orlando Pirates' league title chances at this juncture of the season has received a club legend's stamp of approval.
A 2-0 loss to Marumo Gallants at the Free State Stadium on Saturday severely impacted Pirates' chances of dethroning Mamelodi Sundowns, who are set to seal their eighth consecutive league crown.
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Innocent Mayoyo, who formerly kept goal for the men in Black and White, says fans should not be surprised, as it has been clear from the beginning where the league title would end up.
"The league is gone," states Mayoyo.
"I don't think anyone can dispute that, and it's painful because we all know what we're talking about. My experience with the South African league tells me the title is lost, and we shouldn't act as if this is an accident.
"We've become accustomed to this for the past seven years.
"Jose Riveiro must start by addressing the issues at hand, as many of the players signed in the last two seasons are no longer crucial to the club. Players like [Miguel] Timm and [Ndabayithethwa] Ndlondlo come to mind.
"I mean, how can a big club sign a player who hasn't won anything at his previous club? You need players with strong mentality and experience," reveals 'Ayobayo'.
He also warns those who place unnecessary pressure on the team to win the CAF Champions League.
"People must stop comparing Pirates to [Mamelodi] Sundowns. That's where they go wrong. We must accept that the current Pirates team is just beginning to gain experience in playing in Africa.
"Forget about the 1995 triumph, that was just one tournament. All the players from that team have now retired.
"Currently, we're talking about Sundowns, who have won seven league title [in a row] and have been competing in Africa for the last eight years.
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"For example, Stellenbosch FC is now stronger than many teams because of the experience they're gaining from competing in Africa. You cannot underestimate that experience.
"People should give this Pirates team time. They should use the remaining Champions League games to gain experience and simply enjoy being at this stage of the competition. It may take Pirates another three years to become serious contenders in Africa," he explains.
Bucs are next in action on Wednesday, away to Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.