We want to challenge for the league title – Miguel Timm

That’s the word from midfielder Miguel Timm, who concedes the 16-point gap, in their runner’s up finish last season, was glaring. Pirates are once more considered title challengers even with Downs still the overwhelming favourites to retain the trophy.

"We need to do better in a lot of areas of our game and one of them is challenging for the title this season. We know we said it last season, we were honest enough to say we fell short and I think that's a positive coming from us, self-reflection. We have another opportunity to try again," Timm said. 

Speaking to SABC Sport at Pirates’ new kit launch, Timm says it’s up to the players to make sure it becomes an iconic jersey.

"Being at this launch, my first thought is creating memories with these two jerseys. Hopefully in a few years' time when people look back or wear this jersey, a nostalgia of good memories and lifting more trophies than the previous season."

The 2023/24 season will be Timm's second with the Buccaneers. He reflects on what he has discovered about himself.

"Personally, I'm stronger than I thought I was mentally, emotionally, it's draining honestly as a human being representing a club of this magnitude. Obviously, it doesn't show in the public but it does take a toll on us.

I'm proud of myself and continue to push on and so goes for my teammates, the old players that have been here for many years, clearly, they've been doing that for consecutive seasons, hats for to them.

Obviously, with the teammates that I joined with last season also, massive respect to them, Sibisi [Nkosinathi], Xoki [Tapelo] , Eva Nga [Bienvenu]. Just good attitude, good work ethic."