Bucs on the level of Barca, Bayern and Real Madrid: Helman Mkhalele

Former Orlando Pirates midfield maestro Helman Mkhalele was so delighted at his former club reaching the final of the CAF Confederation Cup to the extent that he compared the Buccaneers with some of the European giants.

Pirates reached the CAF Confederation Cup final by annihilating Egyptian giants Al Ahly 5-3 on aggregate.

The Soweto giants triumphed 1-0 in the first leg in Orlando before thumping the north African 4-3 in Cairo to make their first final appearance in the competition.

Mkhalele was an integral part of the Pirates team that won the CAF Champions League title 1995.

According to Goal, the "Midnight Express" was so over the moon at Pirates reaching the CAF final he compared his former club to one of the most successful club in the world.

"When you check in Europe, the teams are respected for conquering continental competitions. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich are respected because they win continental competitions. Pirates are on their level", Mkhalele told the website.