A former Orlando Pirates midfielder has revealed how the side has avoided facing significant challenges in the CAF Champions League after dropping yet more points against Stade d'Abidjan over the weekend.
Jose Riveiro's charges have had a mixed bag of results in the Champions League group stage so far this season, fighting for points against two opponents from North Africa and one from West Africa.
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They have maintained their grip on Group C despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Stade d'Abidjan on Saturday.
Bucs currently find themselves in top spot, though far from assured of a place in the knockout stages with three games left, having dropped four points from their last two matches in the competition.
"It's a time of mixed feelings at Pirates, even though we've dropped crucial points, especially against Al Ahly, who came here looking for a draw," says Hleza Mofedi, who joined the Soweto giants in 2004 from Free State Stars.
"As for Stade d'Abidjan, to be honest, we allowed them to escape without punishment.
"Right now, Pirates are relying on the same players for all their matches in Africa and in domestic football.
"The PSL's decision to postpone league matches has been beneficial for Pirates. Given the number of games they might have to play, they wouldn't be able to manage the schedule. The squad simply wouldn't cope with the demands of playing week in and week out in both the Champions League and the domestic league," he continues.
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Mofedi argues that Riveiro predominantly using the same players in every match, and only making minimal changes when he does, could be to the detriment of the team.
"Thus, the PSL's postponement of domestic matches has aided Orlando Pirates. I don't want to add pressure on the players, it's evident they have been inconsistent in their performances. However, I believe they will reach the semi-finals."