Orlando Pirates’ coach Jose Riveiro has lauded his team’s exploits in the Caf Champions League, and he believes they can consolidate their quarter-final spot this evening.
Pirates returned to the continental showpiece group stage this season, ending a five-year hiatus which had made a mockery of their status on the continent.
Riveiro’s men had a decent run in the first round-robin of the group stage, winning one game away to CR Belouizdad before drawing with Al Ahly and Stade D’Abidjan.
That feat saw the Sea Robbers sail to the second spot in Group C, two points behind the Club of the Century Al Ahly who were returning from international football.
So, speaking ahead of Pirates’ clash at home to D’Abidjan at Orlando Stadium on Saturday night (6pm), Riveiro reflected on their run halfway through the group stage.
“I think, overall, we must be happy. It’s been a while since the team was part of the group stage – which is not an easy competition,” Riveiro said.
“We had a difficult beginning in terms of the names of the opponents that we were facing in the first two games CRB and hosting Al Ahly here was not an easy thing.
“Collecting four points from those two games, and the way that we did it, I think it’s something to be proud of … but there’s always room for improvement.
“We played under difficult conditions in Ivory Coast in terms of weather, and we survived. We were looking for a result … I think we played well there in the first half.”
☠ Back to continental football ⚽️
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) January 3, 2025
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“First game of the year, different competition but the expected outcome is the same”
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🆚 @Stadedabidjan
🗓 04 January 2025
🏟 Orlando Stadium
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Unlike on the continent where they’ve endured struggles, Pirates have been impressive in the Betway Premiership, with their only blemish the loss to Stellenbosch FC.
They’ve since bounced back from that too. They hammered Marumo Gallants 8-1 before showing they’ve got nerves of steel in the last game, beating Magesi 1-0.
Pirates have been so good in the first 10 games of the season that they are second on the log with 27 points, three behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns who have played one game more.
“I am not sure if I understood the question, but there’s no difference. We play to win all the games,” said Riveiro on grinding out the result away to Magesi.
“In the league, we are running our own race. On the day (against Magesi) we had a complex game to play in a very contextualised situation, and we managed to get a good result.
“So, I am happy with the performance of the players in that game because I know how difficult it is to play under those circumstances. So, again, it’s part of the process.
“Playing away games is always different compared to the games here in Orlando. It doesn’t matter if you play PSL or Champions League games. It’s always complicated. But we are improving.”
Pirates could improve more tonight. Albeit the group stage still on their halfway mark, a win over D’Abidjan could buy them breathing space from Belouizdad who are two points adrift.
“Tomorrow (Saturday) is another opportunity to show that we are in a good space,” the Spain born coach explained.
“The group has an opportunity to show they are ambitious and want to have a good partnership in this competition – not only being part of the group stage but fighting to be in the top eight.
“Tomorrow (Saturday), like I said, is another big opportunity for us to consolidate our place in the group. So, no doubt, the attitude, concentration and fight are going to be there.”