Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is determined to secure maximum points when his side faces Stade d’Abidjan in their upcoming Caf Champions League Group C clash in Côte d'Ivoire.
Following a goalless draw against reigning champions Al Ahly at Orlando Stadium, Riveiro’s men missed a golden opportunity to lead the group.
Despite the stalemate, the Buccaneers remain in a promising position, occupying second place with four points from two matches level with group leaders Al Ahly but trailing on goal difference.
Riveiro has now shifted his focus to Saturday’s away fixture, underlining the importance of claiming all three points to strengthen their position in the group.
The Spanish coach knows the challenge of playing in West Africa but remains adamant that nothing short of a victory will suffice for Pirates as they aim to progress in the competition.
“They (Stade d’Abidjan) didn’t get good results in the first game in Cairo,” Riveiro said.
“But you can see the type of team that they are, and we managed to see that they are quite rich tactically.
“And for sure an away game is going to be tough it’s going to be difficult.
“But I’m optimistic I’m looking at the fixture like an opportunity for us again to try to fight for the three points.
“And imagine if we do it to find ourselves in the third game of the group stage with those points it will be nice.
“But we know we have to work so hard to make it possible like we did it in Algeria (against CR Belouizdad), as we did it today (Saturday).
“And still everything to be played in the group.”
This critical match against Stade d’Abidjan could prove decisive for the Sea Robbers’ ambitions in Group C as they seek to maintain their momentum and challenge for a spot in the knockout stages.
