Innocent Maela says Orlando Pirates have enough quality to challenge for DStv Premiership honours this season.
The Buccaneers won both the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup last season. They also claimed a second-placed league finish behind seven-time successive winners Mamelodi Sundowns.
But the Soweto giants only secured their second spot on the standings on the final day of the 2023/24 campaign, and ended up a massive 23 points behind Masandawana.
This season though, Brazilians are in a state of flux as they settle into their new technical team.
Manqoba Mnquithi is expected to be installed as head coach following the exit of Rulani Mokwena, and the recent changes may present Bucs the chance to close the gap at the top of the standings this time around.
Maela told SABC Sport: “As a team, we always want to challenge on all fronts, it is no secret that our fans are longing for the success of the league and we are competing against top teams. But, I believe this season we have a good chance.
“I believe we do have a good squad so we will go out there and give it our all.”
Pirates have been preparing for the new campaign with a strong pre-season in Spain where they drew 2-2 with Plymouth Argyle, beat Sevilla 2-0, and drew 1-1 with Grenada before a 3-2 reverse to Al Sadd.
“Pre-season is always tough and intense as it should but our tour in Spain, I believe it was a success from the player’s perspective, I think it helped us a lot the few lessons that we got that side playing against top teams, the Bucs captain explained.