Last Sunday, Orlando Pirates beat CR Belouizdad 2-1 to seal their place in the Caf Champions League quarter-final with a game to go.
The Buccaneers are the only unbeaten team in Group C after collecting three wins and two draws. They are currently on 11 points, just one less than the defending champions Al Ahly who have three wins, a draw, and a loss.
Bucs have been doing well and some believe they can go all the way and win the 2024/25 edition. However, coach Jose Riveiro was cautious with his response to whether Pirates will win it.
We feel proud of what we have achieved
“Look, like I said before, it’s a day to feel happy for what it’s done. It’s unbelievable to be already with one game in hand in the quarterfinals,” the Spaniard said.
“We started with Al Ahly and CRB. Two fantastic teams, clubs, and the way that we did it, it’s something to feel proud of.
Now, we still have to play in Cairo one more game. We want to show a good picture of ourselves in that game even though we’re in the quarterfinals. It’s an opportunity to be top of the table at the end of the group stage.
Pirates focus is on Al Ahly
“[Al Ahly] is the only thinking in our mind. The next game is in Cairo [and the aim] is to perform, and play our football… These games push you to the limit when you have the opportunity to play continental football,” Riveiro added.
“The background that these games are going to leave in our players, in our group, is something you cannot pay, you cannot quantify.
“The next game is with Al Ahly in Cairo. Our focus is there. Once we go to the quarterfinal we try to prepare ourselves as well as possible as we used to do and that’s it.”
