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Mokwena: Iron Duke drives the ship

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates assistant coach Rhulani Mokwena says club boss Dr Irvin Khoza is an inspiration behind Bucs wanting to do well in the CAF Champions League

Pirates are currently in Zambia in pre-season training during which time they will face Congolese giants TP Mazembe in what is seen as a preparation game for what the Sea Robbers may experience in Africa. 

Mokwena helped guide the Mayfair-based outfit to a second-placed finish in the Premiership in 2017/18, and the 1995 African champions have continental football to get ready for in 2018/19. 

Speaking to Kickoff, he said: "It's part of our preparation for the Champions League. We are embarking on this for the first time as Pirates to go outside of the country for our pre-season camp. 

"I think it is indicative of our intention with regards to what we want to do on the African continent this season. 

"Remember Pirates have won the Champions League in '95 and the chairman (Irvin Khoza) is still the same chairman. 

"So our chairman's got extensive knowledge and experience on the continent as a football administrator and also as a football leader. 

"I think he's the one that drives and directs the ship. He's the one that will assist us with his wealth of knowledge and his experiences on Africa will come extremely handy."

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