Jose Riveiro remains unfazed about facing Sundowns in the CAF Champions League

Jose Riveiro remains unfazed about facing Sundowns in the CAF Champions League

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro remains unfazed by the challenge of facing Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals.

The is a real possibility that the two Betway Premiership sides could be paired to play each other when the draw is conducted in Qatar, on Thursday.

Pirates ended top of their group and are seeded for the draw, while the Brazilians are unseeded, having ended in second place in their group.

Riveiro was speaking after Saturday’s 3-1 Nedbank Cup last-16 win over Baroka.

He said on SuperSport: “It’s one of the three opponents that we can get from that draw. If it’s Sundowns, it’s good that we don’t have to travel so far.

“So it can be good for planning for both teams, we know each other very well, we’re going to play again on the 15th [March] as well.

“For me to comment about the possibilities in the draw, is pointless. Yes, we have our conversations amongst ourselves, the technical staff, including at the last camp, but it’s how one can be better prepared basically for the way we play football more than anything else.

Pirates were recently beaten 4-1 by Sundowns in the Betway Premiership last week.

Riveiro added: “If it’s Sundowns, I think it’s going to be a big, big clash for the country. It’s going to attract a lot of attention one more time. 

“But hopefully, it’s not this time; hopefully, it’s a little bit later in the competition. It could actually be better for all of us if that game happens at the end.”