It’s still too soon for Pirates to talk about CAF title says Riveiro

Mihlali Baleka

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is thrilled with his team’s march to the CAF Champions League quarter-finals – but he’s not getting carried away.

Pirates beat CR Belouizdad of Algeria 2-1 in the penultimate round of the group stage at Orlando Stadium on Sunday as they climbed to the top of Group C with 11 points.

With that having been enough to secure them a quarter-final berth for the first time since reaching the title decider in 2013, Pirates’ last game will be all but academic.

Pirates will visit Al Ahly in Cairo on Saturday (6pm kick-off) in the last game of the group stage. Both teams have already secured their last-eight spot as they are first and second on the log respectively.

Pirates are one of the unbeaten teams in the group stage of the Champions League. As such, that has made them favourites to go all the way and win the tournament.

But while that is pleasing to ‘The Ghost’ – as some probably believe that they can return to the pinnacle of African football for the first time since 1995 – Riveiro is keeping his feet on the ground. “I think it’s a day to feel happy for the results,” said Riveiro after the game on Sunday.

“It’s unbelievable to be in the quarter-final, especially with a game still to play.

“Stade (d’Abidjan), CR Belouizdad and Al Ahly (in Group C) are three fantastic clubs. The way that we did it, it’s something to feel proud of.

“Now we must still play in Cairo one more game.

“We want to show a good display in that game. Even though we are in the quarter-final, it’s an opportunity to be top of the log.

“That the only thing in our minds is the next game. We want to go to Cairo, perform and still play our football and improve.

“Having the opportunity to play against these teams, it’s a luxury for us as a group. It pushes you to the limit, especially playing continental football.”

Pirates will arrive in Cairo with so much confidence. Not only did they hold the ‘Club of the Century’ Al Ahly to a draw in the first leg at home, but they have some good memories there in the group stage.

Pirates beat Al Ahly in their own backyard in 2013. But they came short in the final, losing 2-0 away, succumbing in a 3-1 aggregate loss.

Playing against teams such as Al Ahly augurs well for Riveiro and his coaching profile, given the fact that he was ridiculed as a ‘plumber’ when he arrived in South Africa two-and-a-half years ago.

The Spain-born coach is, however, not putting himself first in the line. He believes that his young troops – such as Relebohile Mofokeng – will get experience on the continent.

“The background that these games are going to leave in our group is something that you cannot pay or quantify,” Riveiro said.

“So, we want to enjoy (it) until the last game of the competition. The next game is against Al Ahly in Cairo. So, our focus is on that match.

“So, as we go to the quarter-final, we’ll try to prepare ourselves as well as possible. That’s it.

“I don’t think it’s time to talk about (going all the way). And I am not going to repeat that.”

Pirates’ progression to the quarter-finals means a lot for South African football. Champions League 2016 winners Mamelodi Sundowns have struggled so far this season, and their fate is yet to be decided.

The Brazilians are second in Group B with eight points, one behind log leaders AS FAR, who’ll visit them in the last game of the group stage on Sunday.

So, with Pirates already in the clear, that means they were able to match the North Africans – Al Ahly and Belouizdad – who are regarded as the region to beat for the continental crown.

“The type of football in the south and the north is different. That’s true,” Riveiro admitted. “It’s slightly different, but I don’t think about the teams in that way.”