Olisah Ndah: It was good for Orlando Pirates to be out of the Caf tournament as playing in more than three competitions ends up taking its toll on us

Oliash Ndah believes it was for the good that Orlando Pirates were knocked out of the Caf Champions League.

Ndah believes that the continental competitions takes toll in the team and that Pirates loss will see them challenge for local honours with all their energy.

Pirates lost out on a group stage place after they were eliminated by Democratic Republic of Congo side ST Eloi Lupopo on penalties.

“I think it keeps a lot of freshness in the team because you know how CAF is,” said Ndah told Metro FM.

“We are travelling and I remember vividly some games the travel we would be back on a Sunday and maybe we are playing on a Tuesday. So, it caused a lot of fatigue that’s where injuries then would set in. But now I think there is a lot of freshness in the team.

“I think without playing we just focus on the league and the Nedbank Cup so there is not much travelling only within here. I think it keeps us fresh the goal is not as broad as it was because travelling playing CAF and coming to play in the league. Now we are focused on the league the whole time and the Nedbank Cup.”

Pirates are presently atop of the Betway Premiership standings and look set to challenge defending champions in Mamelodi Sundowns thsi season for the title.