Orlando Pirates’ head coach, Jose Riveiro, faced the media on Saturday in anticipation of a crucial Caf Champions League showdown against Algeria’s CR Belouizdad at the iconic Orlando Stadium on Sunday.
With their destiny in their own hands, Riveiro and his team are eyeing a decisive victory that would render calculators unnecessary in their quest for advancement. Currently, the Pirates lead Champions League Group C by a slender margin—one point ahead of Al Ahly and two points clear of Belouizdad. A win at home would secure the Buccaneers a spot in the knockout stages of the Champions League, marking their first progression since 2013.
“Our focus is wholly on ourselves at this juncture,” Riveiro stated during Saturday’s pre-match press conference. “Calculators are out of the equation. We aim to clinch all three points on our home turf. We understand that these points will steer us towards our desired position in the group. From the get-go, we’ll be pushing for the result we need.”
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-Belouizdad are riding high after their recent home victory against Al Ahly, which revitalized their campaign. Riveiro, however, is not resting on past laurels, having already led his side to a 2-1 triumph over the Algerians in their initial encounter on matchday one. He remains acutely aware of the threat posed by their opponents.
“They possess the ability to adapt their game dynamically. Belouizdad is a highly versatile outfit, boasting swift and capable players. Whatever tactics they employ, they execute them at an exhilarating pace,” Riveiro added, underlining the challenge ahead.
Morocco
