Orlando Pirates Under Fire: Junior Khanye Blasts Team's Champions League Chances
- Ex-Kaizer Chiefs star Junior Khanye believes Orlando Pirates will face challenges in the CAF Champions League this season.
- The former winger criticized the Pirates squad's quality and questioned coach José Riveiro's tactical decisions, sparking backlash from fans.
- Local football enthusiasts took to social media to defend Riveiro, accusing Khanye of holding a grudge against the coach.
The road to glory in the CAF Champions League might be rocky for Soweto giants Orlando Pirates, according to former PSL winger Junior Khanye. In an unfiltered assessment, Khanye laid out his concerns about the team's readiness for the prestigious competition, pointing fingers at both the players and the coaching staff. His bold comments have ignited a heated debate among local football fans, with many taking to social media to voice their opinions.
Khanye, who once graced the fields as a standout player for Kaizer Chiefs, wasn't shy about sharing his thoughts. Despite Pirates securing a spot in the CAF Champions League group stage, Khanye remained unimpressed. His critique didn't spare coach José Riveiro, who has received praise from other quarters, including Jwaneng Galaxy coach Morena Ramoreboli. Khanye's strong words have left many questioning whether his opinions are rooted in bias or genuine analysis.
Pirates Not Equipped for Champions League Glory
Khanye's candid take on Pirates' prospects in the CAF Champions League was shared in a recent tweet, where he minced no words about the team's capabilities. According to Soccer Laduma, he believes the Pirates will struggle in the continental competition, potentially facing a daunting group stage. Here's what Khanye had to say:
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"Sometimes this José Riveiro runs out of ideas, sometimes he gets away with results, and because of that, you find people are overrating him. Pirates players do not have the quality to win the Champions League. The coach is making silly mistakes."
Khanye's Criticism Draws Backlash from Fans
Khanye's sharp critique didn't sit well with many Orlando Pirates supporters, who took to social media to express their dissatisfaction. They argued that Khanye lacks the credentials to question Riveiro's abilities, pointing out his own playing career as a counterpoint. The former winger found himself on the receiving end of some pointed remarks from fans who felt his predictions were off the mark.
Tumisang Mamabolo was quick to dismiss Khanye's expertise: "Junior Khanye doesn't understand football." Another fan, Thabiso Makinita, highlighted the coach's success, stating: "His predictions have been off from the day he heard Pirates signed Jose. He even predicted that he won't last a season here. Four cups later, he is still the Pirates coach." Veli Vee Mazibuko demanded an apology from Khanye, pointing out the inconsistency in his earlier predictions: "That guy has beef with our coach from day one. His prediction of the coach was wrong from day one, and he never came back to apologise to the coach." Meanwhile, Rre Mokgara questioned Khanye's achievements: "What has Junior Khanye achieved? He should try being a coach, Mr Know it All." Dion Deeza chose to ignore the criticism altogether: "Imagine taking Junior Khanye seriously."
Pirates Edge Out Victory in PSL Opener
Amid the controversy surrounding Khanye's comments, Orlando Pirates demonstrated their fighting spirit in the PSL. As reported by Briefly News, the team secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chippa United on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. The dramatic late goal from Monnapule Saleng proved crucial in securing three points for the Soweto club in their opening league match. Last season's Golden Boot winner, Tshegofatso Mabasa, also contributed to the win, showcasing his knack for finding the net. This performance serves as a reminder of the team's resilience and determination, even when facing adversity both on and off the field.
