Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has made an honest admission about himself and his troops following the club’s qualification to the CAF Champions League group stages.
The Buccaneers beat Jwaneng Galaxy with a 3-0 aggregate score-line in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round to advance to the next round.
Last season, the Buccaneers were eliminated by Galaxy in the same round, failing to make it to the group stages.
This time, they will face the challenge of balancing their commitments in both domestic competitions and continental tournaments.
Riveiro has recognized that both he and the players lack experience in managing such a dual commitment.
WHAT’S THE ADMISSION RIVEIRO HAS MADE ABOUT CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
“For us, it was one of the main objectives to be in the group stages,” said Riveiro.
“It’s something that we have to replicate every year at a club like Pirates. It’s very important to be there with the best teams on the continent.
“How important for the group (of our players is)? For most of our players, it’s their first time in the group stages of the champions league.
“For the coach (himself) who’s talking to you, it’s the same case, it’s the first time in the groups of the champions league.
“And we are really satisfied with our performances for games, clean-sheets, zero goals conceded.
“We scored a good amount of goals in these four games. I think it’s a good performance, I’m so happy about each and every individual who participated today in this game.
“We know how difficult facing these (opponents) is. We’re fully behind all of our players because like I said, we’re having our first experience together in these type of matches.
“For sure this game will help all of them to feel more confident to continue improving our confidence as individuals in the Champions League.”
