De Villiers commends ‘gutsy’ Orlando Pirates

Premier Soccer League (PSL) CEO, Brand de Villiers has commended the ‘gutsy’ spirit of Orlando Pirates following their loss in the CAF Champions League final.

Orlando Pirates were defeated by African giants, Al Ahly in the second leg of the CAF Champions League in Cairo, Egypt.

De Villiers said: “Even though results didn’t go their way today, we would like to commend Orlando Pirates for their gallant performance and resilience throughout the CAF Champions League. We would have loved to celebrate the second star on Orlando Pirate’s jersey, but I’m certain that this campaign has given them valuable lessons that will be profitable to them and other South African clubs that will participate in continental competitions.”

The PSL CEO added: “Orlando Pirate’s majestic journey in the CAF Champions League has been dominated by heroic moments whereby they defied odds and achieved results in difficult conditions at times. I would like to congratulate Orlando Pirates chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza, the club technical staff led by coach Roger de Sa, the players and supporters for going this far. They might have lost in the final, but we are still proud of them and what they have done for South African and Southern African football.”

De Villiers said Pirates’ campaign in the Champions League was a sign that domestic football is now on the ascendance: “One of the most important things for us is to see our clubs compete and dominate at continental level. We have to test our strength against the best in our continent.”