Olisa Ndah backs fresh Orlando Pirates to mount serious Betway Premiership title charge

The Buccaneers have just one continental title to their name, beating Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas 1-0 in the final in Abidjan in 1995.

They were runners-up to Al-Ahly in 2013 and were expected to make a strong showing this season after reaching the semi-finals last term but were eliminated by FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo on penalties in the Second qualifying round.

Ndah though feels that without the pressures of a CAF campaign they can fully focus on toppling Mamelodi Sundowns to claim their first league title since 2011/12, having ended as runners-up for the past two seasons.

While they are still involved in the Nedbank Cup, Pirates have already won both the MTN8 and Carling Knockout this term and currently lead the Betway Premiership with 28 points from 12 games, two ahead of Sundowns, and with a game in hand.

Ndah told Sports Night Live: "I think it keeps a lot of freshness in the team because you know how CAF is.

"We are travelling and I remember vividly some games the travel we would be back on a Sunday and maybe we are playing on a Tuesday. So, it caused a lot of fatigue that's where injuries then would set in. But now I think there is a lot of freshness in the team.

"I think without playing we just focus on the league and the Nedbank Cup so there is not much travelling only within here. I think it keeps us fresh the goal is not as broad as it was because travelling playing CAF and coming to play in the league. Now we are focused on the league the whole time and the Nedbank Cup."

"Obviously they [Sundowns] have a great squad, they have a very good depth, they have a great coach, and they have been there a lot," added Ndah.

"So, they have done it a lot but this season I think the belief is different. We have always been a family for a long time, but I think the unity in this current team now is massive. So, I think it's going to push us this season."