Orlando Pirates have set up a date with Botswana giants Jwaneng Galaxy in the CAF Champions League group stage qualifier, and Jose Riveiro has opened up about the Galaxy hurdle.
Pirates will have a feeling of deja vu when they meet Galaxy in the same stage as they did last season, only this time around, Riveiro will be looking for a different outcome.
The Buccaneers succumbed to Galaxy last term, losing 5-4 on penalties after the two sides could not be separated over two legs.
The Pirates mentor, who has established himself as somewhat of a knockout cup competition specialist after winning four trophies in two seasons, has admitted that competing in the Champions League is one of his personal targets.
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“Our responsibility and commitment is to try everything in order to find ourselves in the group stages and have the opportunity to enjoy that part of the competition. It is something I would really like to experience as a coach,” Riveiro said after Pirates beat Disciples 4-0 this past Friday.
Pirates’ impressive performance against the Mauritius side paved way to the last round of qualifiers as they look to make the group stages for the first time since the 2018/19 season. After last season’s set back against Morena Ramoreboli’s side, Riveiro is confident that his side learnt their lesson.
“Jwaneng have got experience in this competition, they did a good job in the group stages last season, they managed to collect four points. They are very strong at home.
“We have the opportunity to play them again. We didn’t have a good time with them last time, they are a really tough opponent, so it is a component of extra motivation for all of us,” said Riveiro.
The first leg is penciled down for September 14 at Galaxy’s backyard before concluding the matter at the Orlando Stadium on September 21.
Meanwhile, Pirates will shift their focus to the MTN8 first-leg semi-final against Cape Town City on Tuesday evening.
☠️ NEXT-MATCH ☠️
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⏲️ 19H00
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📅 27 August 2024
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