Lebohang Mokoena urges Buccaneers to get over CAF heartbreak ahead of the derby

Pirates were eliminated in the semifinals of the continent's flagship club competition just days ago, and Mokoena says they should use their game against Sekhukhune United this evening to uplift the mood ahead of the Soweto derby.

"I think it's going to be a challenge, but they need to get over that defeat as soon as possible because they still have the league and Nedbank Cup titles to play for.

"I think the psychological aspect is very important. They just need to get over this loss and refocus on the remaining matches," said the former midfielder. 

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The man nicknamed "Cheeseboy" knows that winning a derby can make the fans forgive just about anything.

"The derby is just going to make up for everything because at the end of the day, the Orlando Pirates fans don't want to see their team lose against Kaizer Chiefs.

"Every game is going to be important, not just the derby, but I think the derby will be a great gesture to the fans," explained Mokoena.

Mokoena, who burst onto the scene as a skillful teenager still in high school in the early 2000s, says although Pirates have already won a trophy this season, they'll be disappointed should they not win either the Nedbank Cup or the Betway Premiership.

With coach Jose Riveiro set to exit the club at the conclusion of the season, Mokoena does, however, believe the Spaniard's legacy has been sealed and will not be tainted by the absence of a domestic league championship or the Champions League crown.