Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has cautioned his squad against any hint of complacency as they prepare for the decisive second leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final clash.
This warning comes on the heels of a hard-fought 1-0 away victory against Algerian champions MC Alger at the Stade du 5 Juillet.
Substitute Mohau Nkota’s clinical 65th-minute strike proved to be the difference in a tightly contested first leg, handing the Buccaneers a slender advantage heading back to South Africa.
Read: Nkota’s Clinical Strike Seals Crucial Away Victory for Orlando Pirates Against MC Alger
Nevertheless, Riveiro is adamant that the tie remains delicately poised and demands his players maintain absolute focus for the return fixture scheduled for Wednesday at the Orlando Stadium.
Speaking to the Sowetan, a measured Riveiro emphasized the significance of the upcoming match. “This is just the first 90 minutes of this round. We have to play the second half now in Orlando and everything is possible, it’s still open, we know we have to play a good game at home and try to make this result a good result for us.”
Echoing his coach’s sentiments, Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine underscored the need for continued dedication. “The most important thing is to focus on another 90 minutes.
“We’re only halfway there. It’s not going to be easy in the second leg but we have to stick together as a team, work hard, good things come to people who work hard and stick together.”
This hard-fought victory provides Orlando Pirates with a significant advantage as they prepare to host their Algerian counterparts in the return leg on Wednesday, April 9th, at 6 PM at the Orlando Stadium. The return fixture will see the Buccaneers aiming to secure their place in the CAF Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2013.
Prior to the crucial Champions League return leg, Orlando Pirates will turn their attention to domestic duties, facing Polokwane City in a Betway Premiership encounter this weekend. Kick off at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium is set for 15h00 on Saturday, 05 April 2025.