Cape Town - Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler believes his team was under construction after enduring some difficulties in the last few seasons.
After winning back-to-back trebles between 2011 and 2013, Pirates have undergone a transitional phase.
The Buccaneers have in recent times been beaten finalists in the CAF Champions League, Confederation Cup and Nedbank Cup.
Tinkler's side have also been less than convincing in the Premiership after finishing seventh in the campaign just past.
"I think if you look at the squad from the time of two double trebles you will recognise that this team is going through a transformation, a transition phase and a rebuilding phase," Tinkler told The Citizen.
"That is obvious to everyone and you can see that, but the demands don't change. We are still expected to achieve things and I believe still that even in that transition we still could have achieved things."