Riveiro keeps humble ahead of Ahly test

January 13, 2025 39

Jose Riveiro, head coach of Orlando Pirates celebrates victory during the CAF Champions League 2024/25 football match between Orlando Pirates and CR Belouizdad at Orlando Stadium, Soweto on 12 January 2025 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

Orlando Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro, is waxing lyrical about his side’s progression into the CAF quarterfinals after securing a 2-1 win over Algeria’s CR Belouizdad on Sunday.

Goals in either half by Relebohile Mofokeng and Thalente Mbatha were enough for the Sea Robbers to go top of group C and qualify with a game to spare.

Thalente Mbatha of Orlando Pirates celebrates goal during the CAF Champions League 2024/25 match between Orlando Pirates and CR Belouizdad at Orlando Stadium, in Soweto on 12 January 2025 ©Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix

Despite the result, Riveiro has downplayed the possibility of his side finishing top of the group ahead of Egyptian giants, Al Ahly.

With 11 points from five games, they currently top the group standings. A victory or draw against Ahly in Cairo next week will guarantee them a first-place finish.

While acknowledging the possibility of topping the group, Riveiro emphasised that it was not their primary objective, given the team’s relative inexperience in the competition.

“The next plan is always to win and when we have the chance, we have to make it happen,” he says.

‘A day to be happy and celebrate as a group,’ – José Riveiro after win over CR Belouizdad. pic.twitter.com/BX1Q9urpPG

— Mahlatse Mphahlele (@BraMahlatse) January 12, 2025