Orlando Pirates head coach, Jose Riveiro, has acknowledged Al Ahly as the favorites to top Group C in the African Champions League. However, he remains confident that Pirates can make Orlando Stadium a fortress and challenge for the top spot.
Speaking after Pirates’ impressive 2-1 victory over CR Belouizdad in Algeria, Riveiro emphasized the importance of their upcoming home match against Al Ahly:
“I think it is still early to speculate, but obviously Al Ahly is going to be the favourite team whichever group they are in. It is our first experience together as a group in the Champions League stage, facing tough opponents. We are trying to go game by game, we are facing Al Ahly next in our game at home. We are going to make sure that Orlando Stadium is not an easy place for anybody in this group,” said Riveiro.
Riveiro praised his team’s performance in Algeria, highlighting their understanding of CR Belouizdad’s tactics:
“We know them very well. Their capacity to elaborate to play fast, the contribution of their full backs. Even their introduction of Mayo after 30 minutes gave them control. It was not a surprise, we knew the opponents very well, we did our job. We were prepared and managed to get the three points,” added Riveiro
As Pirates look to make a deep run in the Champions League, their home matches will be pivotal. With the support of their passionate fans, they hope to turn Orlando Stadium into a fortress and challenge the continent’s top clubs.