MAMELODI Sundowns veteran Surprise Moriri has been there, done that and got the league-winning T-shirts.
He has also experienced the same pain of letting big leads slip, in the same manner in which Kaizer Chiefs did.
Moriri said the painful memories of those calamitous collapses were one of his inspirations in what has been an amazing season. Orlando Pirates' resilience capitalising on those fateful mistakes is something he wants the team to learn and apply next season.
"That Pirates team that won the league in those seasons was very motivated and paced themselves very well. When it counted, their experience came through and they motivated themselves," Moriri said. "We looked at Chiefs' lofty position and realised we had been there before, only to fail when it counted the most.
"It was never over until the fat lady had really sung. We had to keep on fighting and hoped that they would crack. When we cut their lead to three points, we knew they were well within our reach. However, Chiefs' efforts cannot be underestimated this season."
Moriri moved to Sundowns from Silver Stars in 2004, where he later helped them win two consecutive PSL titles at a canter, along with Esrom Nyandoro. There has been the transition from the juggling, free-scoring midfielder to battle-worn but exemplary senior statesman. Moriri said the change was necessary due to his extended stay at the club along with changing times and officials. "I'm happy with how the change has come for me to impart that experience to young players. I understand them and they understand me.
"This is the kind of family understanding we will need going to Africa because the deeper you travel into the continent, the less it becomes about football. CAF competitions are a test of character, and if we can pull through with an excellent start, we can do well, especially if we get to the group stages."
Moriri said there was not much of a gulf of class in the team but that it could be the start of something special under a driven and determined coach like Pitso Mosimane and capable lieutenants in Manqoba Mnqithi and Alex Bapela.
Moriri not Surprised after title win
MAMELODI Sundowns veteran Surprise Moriri has been there, done that and got the league-winning T-shirts.
He has also experienced the same pain of letting big leads slip, in the same manner in which Kaizer Chiefs did.
Moriri said the painful memories of those calamitous collapses were one of his inspirations in what has been an amazing season. Orlando Pirates' resilience capitalising on those fateful mistakes is something he wants the team to learn and apply next season.
"That Pirates team that won the league in those seasons was very motivated and paced themselves very well. When it counted, their experience came through and they motivated themselves," Moriri said. "We looked at Chiefs' lofty position and realised we had been there before, only to fail when it counted the most.
"It was never over until the fat lady had really sung. We had to keep on fighting and hoped that they would crack. When we cut their lead to three points, we knew they were well within our reach. However, Chiefs' efforts cannot be underestimated this season."
Moriri moved to Sundowns from Silver Stars in 2004, where he later helped them win two consecutive PSL titles at a canter, along with Esrom Nyandoro. There has been the transition from the juggling, free-scoring midfielder to battle-worn but exemplary senior statesman. Moriri said the change was necessary due to his extended stay at the club along with changing times and officials. "I'm happy with how the change has come for me to impart that experience to young players. I understand them and they understand me.
"This is the kind of family understanding we will need going to Africa because the deeper you travel into the continent, the less it becomes about football. CAF competitions are a test of character, and if we can pull through with an excellent start, we can do well, especially if we get to the group stages."
Moriri said there was not much of a gulf of class in the team but that it could be the start of something special under a driven and determined coach like Pitso Mosimane and capable lieutenants in Manqoba Mnqithi and Alex Bapela.
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