Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo expect 'dejected & disappointed Orlando Pirates' to rise after Pyramids setback in Caf Champions League - 'You'll see Bucs shining again'

Orlando Pirates had done exemplary well in the Caf Champions League where they reached the semi-final without tasting defeat.

Having won their maiden title in 1995 and reached the final in 2013, Bucs supporters had hoped to see their team go all the way this season.

They drew 0-0 with Pyramids in the first leg of the semi-final at Orlando Stadium and needed a win of any kind or a scoring draw to advance.

Relebohile Mofokeng and Fiston Mayele scored in Cairo to give the South African outfit a first-half advantage.

However, after the break, defensive lapses allowed the hosts to win 3-2: Mohau Nkota scored the Bucs' second but Ramadan Sobhi responded before Mayele completed his brace to break Pirates' hearts.

Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo believes the Soweto giants will respond positively, and that the youngsters involved will rise again.

“A very positive note, a very dejected Orlando Pirates, disappointed; where I’m seated, I’m proud of those boys,” he said during his analysis on SABC2.

“They showed up, they never let up, they lost fighting. They might have lost but wait until the next five years and see the character that will come out of them, because it’s not about what happened now," Khumalo continued.

“These boys were thrown in the deep end, and they handled it. Riveiro threw Nkota, Mofokeng, name them all, [Thalente] Mbatha… but these boys they’ll give character out of this loss.

“And this is the boys, mark my words, you’ll see these boys shining again," he concluded.

After elimination from the Caf Champions League, pirates can now focus on domestic assignments.

They will play Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final before chasing Mamelodi Sundowns in the PSL race.