Micho delighted by Bucs’ progress

Orlando Pirates coach Micho Sredojevic (right) believes his side’s chances of clinching the Absa Premiership title are very high this time around, saying the Buccaneers have made huge progress in the last two years.

Pirates lost out out on the league title to Mamelodi Sundowns last season by five points after the Pretoria side finished the campaign with 60 points, with Bucs on 55.

With only three games left, the Buccaneers are on top, three points ahead of Sundowns, who are on 47 points, but have one game in hand.

Pirates are chasing another three points tomorrow night when they visit a struggling Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium.

“We have improved because this is how you grow as sportsmen and as a team, it is an amazing experience.

Last season we were on a run (for the league title) until we lost to Cape Town City, so we have really stretched ourselves this season,” said Sredojevic.

The main important factor for Sredojevic, however, is not only seeing the club lifting the league title, but also to see them compete again in the Caf Champions League.

The Soweto club were dumped out of the continental competition in the group stages this season after losing 2-1 to Horoya AC in the last group stage game.

“We want to continue like this and what we are looking for is to bring Orlando Pirates to the Caf Champions League for the second successive time, and whatever else comes we shall see – one thing that is on our mind is the Maritzburg game.”

The Team of Choice have been struggling this season, with the club rooted at the bottom.

Results have not been forthcoming for coach Eric Tinkler’s side.

The KwaZulu-Natal outfit have only won four league games all season.