The Premiership, MTN8 and Telkom Knockout winners were eliminated at the first hurdle by Angolan side Recreativo de Libolo, losing 4-2 on aggregate in March.

Josephs insists Bucs, continental champions in 1995, have learnt from their mistakes.

"There were lessons learnt," he said. "And we want to do well this time around. We are fully focused and will go 100% at it.

"These are the tournaments that will test us, playing against these bigger guys from north Africa."

The ex-Ajax Cape Town goalkeeper, who recently retired from international football, added that he remains highly motivated for the coming campaign.

"You know playing 13, 14 years of football, it's at Pirates now where I'm starting to win things," said the 32-year-old.

"Things have been going well, and we have a good squad for this season again.

"There are still things to achieve this coming season. I still want us to defend all the titles we won."