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Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates skipper Lucky Lekgwathi believes the Vodacom Challenge proved his squad are ready to launch a serious title defence.
The Buccaneers lost 3-0 in the final to Tottenham on Saturday but Lekgwathi feels the tournament showed how strong Julio Leal's squad will be this season.
Leal ran the rule over 31 players during the matches against Spurs and Kaizer Chiefs and the Bucs captain feels there is a strong group of players all willing to fight for the cause once again.
"The coach saw everyone during the tournament and I think by now he knows everyone," Lekgwathi told the club's official website.
"The team is very strong and every player is ready to fight for a position. This season will be very tough for us and I am enjoying the competition in the team.
"We are all pulling our weight and I think this is just great for all us."
Lekgwathi, now 34, is experienced enough to know that results during pre-season are not very important and admits the hard work starts now.
He added: "We would've liked to win the Challenge, but Spurs were the better team on the day.
"For us it is kind of disappointing because we are used to winning trophies but in football you win some and you lose some.
"The guys are returning on Wednesday and our real work will start."
