While many Cape Town-born players have struggled to make an impact when they join Gauteng clubs, Orlando Pirates defender Abbubaker Mobara believes it is only by God's grace that he had an impressive first season with the Buccaneers.

The 23-year-old versatile defender bucked the perception that Capetonians fail once they relocate to Gauteng.

"Coming to Johannesburg was a slow start for me but through God's grace and guidance I survived well in my first season. I am hoping that I can only improve in the upcoming season,'' Mobara told Sowetan on the sidelines of the Pirates jersey launch in Paulshof, Johannesburg, on Monday.

Last season the Soweto giants missed out on a top-eight finish for the first time in the Premier Soccer League and prolonged their trophy drought to three full seasons.

Their last trophy was the Nedbank Cup in 2014.

Nevertheless, Mobara, who was recently voted the Nedbank Cup player of the Tournament, is hopeful that Bucs' faithful will have something to cheer about in the new season.

"We disappointed our fans but we are determined to make them proud of us in the new season. We have learnt a lot of lessons from our disastrous season.

"We are ready to win trophies and bring the club's pride back," said the Bafana Bafana player.

While some have questioned coach, Kjell Jonevret's capabilities after another barren season, the former Ajax man enjoys working with the Swede.

"He is more than a coach and is always keen to teach us things we do not know. Players and coaches love working together when things are only good, but with him it is different because he is always there for his players."