Tau’s Al Ahly warned – ‘Orlando Stadium won’t be easy’

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro insists the Orlando Stadium can be key to their Caf Champions League ambitions.

The Soweto giants started their campaign in Group C with a deserved 2-1 win against the Algerian outfit CR Belouizdad on Tuesday night. The Sea Robbers scored their goals through Mohau Nkota while Bafana Bafana international Khanyisa Mayo pulled one back for the hosts to set up a tense finale.

Defending champions Al Ahly beat Stade d’Abidjan 4-2 in their first game in the group to go top.

Al Ahly the favourites but it will not be easy at Orlando Stadium

Riveiro concedes Percy Tau’s Red Devils are the favourites to finish at the summit of the group as opposed to his team.

However, the Spaniard insists Bucs are aiming at making the Orlando Stadium a fortress meaning any team that will be playing there will not find it easy.

“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,” he stated.

“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.”

Pirates have started the 2024/25 campaign well; they have won the MTN8 and are top of the PSL table after winning their opening seven games.