Micho wary of reinforced Kaizer Chiefs and chasing pack

Orlando Pirates coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic says that his side has their work cut out for them if they are to end their trophy drought in the coming season especially with rivals Kaizer Chiefs strengthening their squad.

The Serbian trainer feels that Chiefs will get back to being competitive having followed a club clearout with an aggressive recruitment campaign.

Chiefs have reinforced their squad with players from across the continent and indeed the world, importing staff from Australia and Europe.

Pirates themselves have been on something of a spending spree as they aim to continue their progress under the 49-year-old coach.

The coach is also wary of the threat posed by the likes of Bidvest Wits, Supersport United and Cape Town City and expects an open PSL title race.

“Now we have no right to think everything will be given to us on a silver platter. We have to work really hard and we have to know that the champions, Sundowns are getting strong,” Micho told Newzroom Afrika.

“Kaizer Chiefs are also getting strong with the players they got.

“Other teams Bidvest Wits, Cape Town City and SuperSport United all them (are also getting strong). We are expecting a thrilling and competitive season.”

Progress is a slow process

Micho has been unable to bring trophies to the Buccaneers in the two seasons he has been at the helm but remains confident that the side will continue to progress.

“One thing is for sure, we have had steady progress and we are growing as a team. It has been shown in the last two seasons,” Sredojevic said.

“In the 2017/18 season, we finished second with 55 points. Last season, we finished second with 57 points. One goal denied us the championship.”

Kaizer Chiefs swell the ranks

After clearing out the deadwood in the close season, Kaizer Chiefs have acquired quality across the park. Amakhosi were left reeling by their dismal 2018/19 season. The club failed to qualify for the MTN8 after finishing the league season ninth and couldn’t beat TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup as consolation.

While the new-look squad will be afforded some time to settle down, coach Ernst Middendorp is unlikely to be afforded the same patience from fans desperate to celebrate some silverware.

Both Soweto giants have endured multi-season trophy droughts as Mamelodi Sundowns cemented their dominance over the PSL. Both sides lost Cup finals last season. Pirates going down in the Telkom Knockout to Baroka FC before Chiefs downfall in the Nedbank Cup masterminded by Dan Malesela.