Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro feels there will not be an excuse for his team not to win against Al Ahly having been given a whole week to prepare.
Pirates are among three PSL teams that had their midweek league matches cancelled to give them ample time to prepare for their continental ties that will be played this weekend.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch are the other teams and the Pirates coach says while Al Ahly, record 12-time champions who have won the last two Champions League crowns, pose a major challenge, having a whole week to train and recover is a luxury that they must utilise when they meet the Egyptian giants on Saturday, December 7.
Riveiro revels in ‘luxury’ of a week’s preparation
“In this period, it’s a luxury to have four days, plus recovery, we have five days, to prepare for the game as good as possible, obviously if we look now at the next game, it’s going to be something else,” said Riveiro.
“We are going to be tested in a very high level and we will face the week with good attitude, and motivation, with the intention to offer a good performance on Saturday here against Al Ahly.
“Having those days with the possibility to rest, I think it’s giving an extra [chance] to make sure that there are no excuses, that on Saturday we can be at the level the competition requires and the [questions] opponent will ask.”
Will Al Ahly’s recent poor record in SA continue?
Both Pirates and Al Ahly head into the group stage tie after winning their opening matches, the Buccaneers beating CR Belouizdad of Algeria 2-1 last Tuesday, while the Cairo Red Devils triumphed 4-2 over Ivorian side Stade d'Abidjan on the same day.
However, Pirates are under pressure given they are playing at home and also lost their first league match of the season on Sunday and must bounce back to avoid an air of negativity around their camp.
Al Ahly do not have good memories of their recent visits to South Africa with Mamelodi Sundowns beating them twice last year while Pirates have beaten them three times before.
One familiar name that might not feature on Saturday is South African forward Percy Tau, who has seen limited opportunities in recent months, due to a protracted battle with the club over his future, with the two parties failing to agree on how the player will leave the club.
