Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has urged the Sea Robbers to be at their best and avoid undermining the Madagascar champions Disciples FC when they meet in a crucial CAF Champions League match at Orlando Stadium on Friday.
The two sides meet in the second leg of the Champions League preliminary round with the hope of proceeding to the next stage of the competition.
It’s still anyone’s game after the first leg hosted by Disciples in Mauritius ended in a goalless draw despite Pirates creating numerous chances to win the clash.
A draw with goals will see the Buccaneers bow out of the continental showpiece, and that’s why Riveiro wants his men to be clinical upfront and solid at the back.
“It’s about finding the rhythm as soon as possible in the game, have a good beginning,” Riveiro told media at Orlando Stadium on Thursday.
“I can say a lot of things, but the truth is, we need to play close to our best performance, one more time.
“We are looking to have a good start in every game and it’s going to be key for us to respect the opponent,” he said.
“Even though we dominated the game and had (enough) chances to score there, it was strange that the game finished 0-0. But they also had opportunities to score, let’s be fair.
“We need to show that we can play in a different rhythm than them and maybe it will be complicated for them one more time,” Riviero said.
“I’m 100 per cent sure and players know that tomorrow (Friday) we are going to be much more accurate in front of the goal.”
Pirates head into the second leg with a better idea of their opponent than in the first leg last weekend.
“They are a difficult team with the capacity to run, defend and work for each other as a team,” Riveiro said.
“We just need to be patient but at the same time try to find our rhythm as soon as possible in the first 45 minutes.”
The match will kick off at 19:30.
Hollywoodbets bookmakers have listed Pirates as favourites to win the game. You can place a bet on this match, here are the odds:
4/10 Pirates | Draw 3/1 | Disciples 6/1
Orlando Pirates players preparing for their Champions League preliminary clash against Disciples FC at Orlando Stadium on Friday. pic.twitter.com/99m2MWadGq
— Mahlatse Mphahlele (@BraMahlatse) August 22, 2024
