RIVEIRO WARY OF THE DANGER STADE D’ABIDJAN POSSESS

Written by: Kamogelo Mogale

Orlando Pirates will play hosts to Stade d’Abidjan in their CAF Champions League group C fourth round match at the Orlando stadium on Saturday evening. The Buccaneers are currently in second place in group C on five points, behind reigning champions Al Ahly and are yet to suffer a defeat in the competition.

Having won the title back in 1995, The Sea Robbers are in search for some continental glory as the only time where they came close in claiming their second title was in 2013 when they lost out to fellow group C counterparts and reigning champions Al Ahly.

Pirates have been in a run of form under the mentorship of Jose Riveiro, having won five domestic titles [3 MTN8, 2 Nedbank Cup] and have been tipped to challenge Sundowns for league honours and most importantly go as far as possible in this year’s CAF Champions League campaign.

Speaking before the media at the Orlando stadium, coach Riveiro emphasised the importance of securing all three points to strengthen their position in the group while acknowledging the challenge that awaits.

“We look at the game, it’s just an opportunity to collect points and consolidate the position in the table, and that’s the game we can play – we cannot play the other game in the group so it all depends on ours and others’ results to know where we can finish,” said Riveiro.

“But we are halfway through the group stage, with three more games still to play, and before going to Cairo we still have to deal with CRB as well.

“So it’s an opportunity for us to play more and show to our fans that we are ambitious, that we want to do well in the Champions League as well, and we want to represent the club at a good level on the continent, and that’s our commitment.

“Then, where those three points or one point after tomorrow’s game will take us, we don’t know, but we have to first make sure that we deserve those three points tomorrow,” added Riveiro.

The two sides played out to a 1-1 draw in Abidjan in December last year after Evidence Makgopa’s late first half goal was cancelled out by Ousmane Méité’s response early in the second half.

Both teams have much to play for—Pirates seek to confirm their place in the next round, while Abidjan still hopes to stay alive in the competition.

Kickoff is at 6pm.