Cape Town - Former Orlando Pirates defender Mark Fish foresees a successful season ahead domestically and on the continent for the Sea Robbers.

The Buccaneers have bolstered their squad with a number of new signings as they prepare to challenge not only for silverware domestically, but also in Africa, upon their return to the CAF Champions League after a five-year absence.

“Let's hope what they're trying to achieve works for them. Yes, they have signed players and we know they are going to play in Africa,” Fish told The Citizen.

“We know Pirates like to compete in Africa; they are not going there just to make up the numbers.

“They have gone a couple of seasons without a trophy and I think Pirates fans were patient last season and now it is up to the players to go one step further.”

The former Bafana Bafana central defender also lauded the signing of Stephane Adam, a France-born striking coach.

“It looks like Pirates are doing the right thing by hiring a strikers' coach and I think that should be done by all the clubs," he pointed out.

“At the end of the day we can improve the strikers, but we can't teach anyone how to score goals, it is a natural talent.”

Pirates are in action in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday night, where they take on Chippa United in an Absa Premiership encounter.

Kick-off is at 19:30.