Selaelo Rasebotja reacts to Orlando Pirates’ CAF CL draw

It’s the first time in five years that The Buccaneers reach this phase of the continental competition, and some might argue they are not favourites to win the group when they come up against the North African powerhouse, Algeria’s CR Belouizdad and Stade d’Abijan of Cote d’Ivoire. 

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Rasebotja reacted to the draw.

''It's a platform for all the best teams in Africa, so everyone plays for the bragging rights. It is just a matter of going out there and applying ourselves. I mean we went to Spain for our pre-season to prepare for such moments. So mentality we have been preparing for such occasions, being out there,  being the underdog I guess, but I don't think that applies to Orlando Pirates, it is an institution that wins. We are going out there to play our best football and represent South Africa well,'' said Rasebotja. 

The former SuperSport United player made his official debut for Pirates in the MTN8 final win over Stellenbosch FC, coming off the bench for the injured Thalente Mbatha in Durban. 

He is hoping for more appearances, especially with the Champions League around the corner.

''I'm very proud of that moment, it is a career moment that I will forever cherish in my life. It is my first ever professional trophy. In an environment like Orlando Pirates the aim is always to win, there's no excuses there. And I am happy for myself and for everyone who has been a part of my journey,'' added Rasebotja.

The 23-year-old also spoke about how he is adapting to life at Pirates.

''We all have different roles in the team. What the coach always says is that we need to go out there and enjoy but not forget to stay within the structure of the team and that includes the tactics. But all in all, it is in our hands to go out there to execute the plan and enjoy ourselves in the process,'' he expressed.

Rasebotja and coach Jose Riveiro shared a special embrace at the end of the cup final and the player explained what it was all about.

''I thanked him for the opportunity and he also thanked me for being patient. It's not nice being on the bench and not coming on. And he would tell me that the right time will come. Not much was exchanged, it was just gratitude from my end,'' he concluded.