At the beginning of every season, targets are set based on a club’s pedigree, previous campaign’s performance and the collective personnel at their disposal.
This is no different with Pirates, who are on the verge of achieving one such target – that being to reach the group stage of the CAF Champions League upon their return since falling short in the final back in 2013.
The only thing standing in their way now is Namibian side African Stars, who held them to a goalless draw in their previous encounter at Orlando Stadium last weekend.
However, Mntambo is adamant they are more than capable of overcoming this afternoon’s test in Windhoek, where a scoring draw or victory will ensure their progression in the competition.
“I think African Stars are also a good team but if we want to match them against us, I’d say we’re better off – the talent in our team speaks for itself,” Mntambo tells snl24.com/kickoff.
“But when we go there, the only thing we need to do is just to be clinical in front of goals because that’s the only thing we lacked at home.
“When we go there, it’s for us to keep playing the game-model that we play – the short passes, getting into spaces and most importantly finish the chances off when we get them.”
After failing to lift the Telkom KnockoutCup, which was another one of their objectives set at the start of the season, the 29-year-old attacker feels it is imperative that they make up for it.
“Even before the season started, we had been setting goals and objectives as a team, and we need to reach those,” says Mntambo.
“One of them was to reach the Telkom Knockout final and winning it, but unfortunately we lost to Baroka – who deserve the plaudits.
“Now our next objective is to regroup as a team and qualify for the group stages of the Champions League.
“We are just one match away from achieving that, so it’s for us now to qualify, take the break and come back strong in the new year.”
The Buccaneers will return to action on January 5 with a visit to Makhulong Stadium, where they will hope to amend their season-opening draw against Highlands Park, as they look to keep the pressure on log leaders Bidvest Wits.