Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro says they will be prepared for whoever comes next between Jwaneng Galaxy and African Stars in the next round of the CAF Champions League.
Pirates were dumped out by Jwaneng last season for a place in the group stages of Africa’s elite club competition on penalties and could face them again in the next round.
This after they beat Disciples 4-0 over the two-legged tie, while Jwaneng host the Namibian Premier League champions after a 1-0 defeat in their first leg last week.
“Wishes are for birthdays, I mean I try to be ready for both [African Stars or Jwaneng] as you said if Jwaneng is the next opponent in the competition, it’s going to be a component of having the opportunity to play them again,” Riveiro said when asked by iDiski Times if they would prefer a more familiar foe in the next round.
“We didn’t have a great team against them, it was a really tough opponent, so there’s a component of extra motivation for all of us perhaps. If it’s African Stars, well, it’s nice, at least for me it will be my first time in Namibia.
“For sure an interesting team from what I can see, it won’t be a piece of cake, so both of them, they will be tough, competitive teams, Jwaneng with more experience in this competition already.”
Riveiro admitted Jwaneng proved they were worth their qualification last season, suggesting their wins over the likes of Wydad Atheltic Club proved they were a worthy opponent that cannot be underestimated with their experience on the continent now.
“They did a fantastic job last season in the group stage as well, they managed to collect six or seven points if I’m not [mistaken], they are very strong at home,” he continued.
“I think this competition is very attractive, whoever is coming, and for us, our responsibility and commitment is to try everything to get ourselves in that group stages – and have the opportunity to enjoy that part of this competition, but for me, it’s something I would really like to experience as a coach.”
Pirates will find out their opponent when the two sides meet on Saturday afternoon at the Botswana National Stadium (16h00).
Story by Lorenz Kohler (@Lorenz_KO).
