CAFCL: Riveiro’s exit will not affect Orlando Pirates vs MC Alger – Maela

Photo Credit - Orlando Pirates Football Club.

Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela has explained how they have planned to focus on their return leg CAF Champions League fixture against MC Alger despite the news coach Jose Riveiro will leave the club at the end of the season.

Last week, Pirates confirmed the coach will not renew his contract scheduled to run down at the end of the season. Riveiro’s decision came as the South African club were chasing trophies on three fronts – Champions League, Betway Premiership and Nedbank Cup.

Pirates produced a great show of resilience to steal a crucial 1-0 win in the opening leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie against MC Alger which took place at Stade du 5 Juillet ahead of the return leg scheduled for Wednesday at Orlando Stadium.

Asked whether Riveiro’s news will distract the players, Maela told Sowetan: “We had our meetings and our discussions and all agreed it’s time to put our focus and attention on the competitions we still need to compete in.

We believe the time will come later on for all those moments [like farewells and taking stock]. But for now the players really need to focus and put our intention into applying ourselves, starting with the game we have tomorrow at Orlando. I believe the time will come for all of that but for now it’s important to train well and apply ourselves in the game.”

Despite the 1-0 advantage, Maela remained cautious: “We came back with the win, we placed ourselves in a position where we’re giving ourselves a chance to progress. I think the team is heading in the right direction. Like the coach has said it’s an exciting moment for us. It’s a difficult challenge ahead, a difficult game but we’re confident we’ll do well.”

Relebohile Mofokeng scored the only goal to give Pirates the advantage.