Jose Riveiro - Photo Credit Orlando Pirates Media.
Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has revealed the importance of their Group B CAF Champions League fixture against Stade d'Abidjan at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
For the Buccaneers, a victory will leave them on the verge of qualifying for the knockout stages. Meanwhile, the visitors, currently rooted at the bottom of the group with only one point from three games, face elimination unless they secure all three points.
“Game number four in the group, an opportunity for us to consolidate our good position in the table. We play at home as usual with the intention to get the three points to minimize our opponents and try to play with our strength, nothing more special than knowing three points on offer are very important for both teams,” Riveiro told Pan-Africa Football.
“It is also an opportunity for Abidjan to try to be alive in the group, so it is a game with a lot of things at play. Very important game for both teams and probably contrary to the fans and the people, who both think the game will be easy, it will be a difficult one against a very good opponent in a good space right now in the competition as well and with good players. So we know it is going to be a very difficult one.
“We are a good team but not with enough experience in this tournament, starting with the coach not only the players. It is a new space for us and we are competing at a very good level and every game in this competition is an important chapter especially in our players’ career. If we manage to reduce the opponents’ opportunity we will be closer to get a good result.”
The Buccaneers are currently lying third in Group C with five points, while Africa champions Al Ahly are sitting top with seven points and CR Belouizdad second with six points.
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