Former goalkeeper John Tlale, who counts Orlando Pirates amongst his former clubs, believes the chase for Champions League glory might disturb the team's ambitions of a Betway Premiership league title success at the end of the season.
The Buccaneers are undoubtedly the scariest team in South Africa at the moment after winning all six league matches played so far.
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They currently sit top of the standings with a healthy 18 points collected.
"This is going to be an interesting season compared to the past one. It's boring to see [Mamelodi] Sundowns winning the league with five games remaining," Tlale says.
"At least this season, Pirates will push to the limit. Pirates have depth and young boys who are performing well.
"Pirates' performance makes the league interesting. Wherever they are playing nowadays, the supporters come in numbers, which is a sign that the team is doing well.
"But I think it's going to be difficult for Pirates to balance things because of the Champions League. Every week you play about three games," adds the 57-year-old.
Tlale is of the opinion that though Jose Riveiro's men have depth, most of their players are still young and will only grow with time.
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"So, the Champions League might hurt the Orlando Pirates' chances of doing well in the domestic league."
The Soweto giants will take a breather this weekend and next host Richards Bay FC at Orlando Stadium on November 5.