The Buccaneers got off to a fantastic start in the group stages of the tournament after beating AC Leopards 1-0 in Congo over the weekend and Motale - known as Magents in football circles - believes that that shows they are capable of winning the tournament.
“I’m sick and tired of hearing about the Pirates team that won the 1995 Champions League. It’s been 20 years and I think it is time we talk about another team. I believe the current Pirates has shown that they can win in Africa. They have the right players with the right mentality to do well,” Motale tells snl24.com/kickoff.
Meanwhile Motale, who was the captain when Pirates beat Asec Mimosas 1-0 in Abidjan to win 3-2 on aggregate and lift the trophy, has lavished praise on Pirates’ captain Oupa Manyisa, admitting that he initially doubted his leadership qualities.
“I honestly didn’t think he was the right guy for the job when he was given the armband, because he is not a vocal player. But the thing with ‘Ace’ is that he leads by example by putting in good performances. You need players like him in the team,” Motale adds.