Cape Town - Sifiso Myeni believes the upcoming season will afford Pirates the opportunity to start on a clean slate following a difficult campaign in which captain Senzo Meyiwa was killed.
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Much was expected of the Buccaneers at the start of the 2014/15 season, but the death of Meyiwa derailed their form and focus.
Myeni, 28, said the criticism directed at him after an individual poor run of form made him stronger.
He added that players understood the pressure and the expectation of silverware that comes with being a Sea Robber.
"It is true a team of Orlando Pirates' calibre is always expected to win things, but coming from the tragedy that befell us with the passing of the late Senzo Meyiwa, we had to adjust to the situation," Myeni told Soccer Laduma.
"I mean, we lost a mentor, a brother and a friend, and truly speaking it wasn't easy for us.
"My family, my teammates and the technical staff have always been there for me," he continued.
"Also I took the critics in a positive way. Yes, people were saying I was no longer playing the type of football I was playing at Bidvest Wits."