Connect with us
Sign up with Hollywoodbets for 50 free spins and R25 bonus=

International Soccer

NEWS: ‘If we are not 100% in Cairo it’s not going to be a good day for us’ – Orlando Pirates’ Jose Riveiro warns his players

Orlando Pirates head coach José Riveiro has issued a rallying call to his players ahead of their crucial Caf Champions League clash against Al Ahly on Saturday.

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

Orlando Pirates head coach José Riveiro has issued a rallying call to his players ahead of their crucial Caf Champions League clash against Al Ahly on Saturday.

Two women looking excitedly at cellphone

Despite having already secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Champions League with a game to spare, Riveiro emphasised the importance of maintaining focus and being fully prepared for the high-stakes encounter in Cairo.

The Buccaneers are currently at the top of Group C with 11 points, holding a narrow lead over Al Ahly, who trail by just one point. Goals from Relebohile Mofokeng and Thalente Mbatha against CR Belouizdad sealed their qualification, but the top spot in the group is still up for grabs.

Riveiro acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by the Red Devils, particularly on their home turf.

“To be competitive with our team in this competition (Caf Champions League) we need our best performance all the time,” Riveiro said.

“There’s no other way that you can win games here in this group and if we are not 100% in Cairo it’s not going to be a good day for us for sure.

“So, we cannot afford to go there in our 90, 80, 70 (percent) because it’s not going to be nice.”

With Al Ahly known for their pedigree and determination, Pirates can expect a fiercely contested match. A win or draw would ensure the Buccaneers finish as group leaders, while a defeat would see Al Ahly leapfrog them into the top spot.

The stage is set for an intense showdown in Cairo, as both teams aim to top Group C in the competition.

“It’s a very good team (Al Ahly) playing at home. So, we have to make sure that we go in there with the right mentality,” Riveiro said.

“With the ambition to collect points there. And why not to finish the group stages in the lead?

“Leading the group was never the main objective, the objective was to be in the next round.

“But the objective is always winning and that’s our mentality sometimes we are not going to make it.

“But when we have the opportunity to do it, we will do everything in order to make it possible.”

Register Now with Hollywoodbets Mobile
Register Now with Hollywoodbets Mobile

More in International Soccer