Orlando Pirates vs Granada during this year’s pre-season preparations. Image: (Orlando Pirates share via Facebook page)
(The Post News)- After defeating Madagascar’s Disciples 4-0 at Orlando Stadium yesterday night, Orlando Pirates advanced to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.
They may face Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy in the following round. After falling behind 1-0 in the away game, Galaxy, who defeated Pirates to advance to the lucrative group stages the previous season, take on African Stars of Namibia in the second leg of their first preliminary round today.
The next tie-breaker advances to the group stages, where the first legs are slated for the weekend of the 14th of the following month.
When asked about Galaxy, Bucs head coach Jose Riveiro responded that if Jwaneng is their next opponent, it will be an opportunity to play them again. They didn’t’t enjoy playing the last time they played.
He furthered by saying that birthdays are for celebrations, so Pirates will strive to be ready for both. It will serve as an additional source of inspiration for them. That was according to Riveiro.
Respected South African coach Morena Ramoreboli, who has also led Bafana Bafana in the COSAFA Cup, is in charge of Galaxy. Since Namibia still lacks certified stadiums for CAF competitions, Pirates will play both matches on home soil in a match against African Stars.
It looks like Riveiro has completed his homework for the upcoming phase already. “If it’s African stars, it will undoubtedly be my first time in Namibia, and with such an intriguing squad, it won’t be an easy task. Therefore, I believe that they will both be fierce competitors. With more experience, Jwaneng performed admirably in the group stage the previous season, earning seven points, if my memory serves me correctly. We are committed to finding ourselves in that group stage because they are strong at home, and as a coach, that is something I would like to experience,” Riveiro continued on the SABC post interview.
Before Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Karim Kimvuidi signed their names to the scoresheet, Andoniaina’s own goal set up the Pirates’ goals. Disciples were no pushovers in this match.
If not for some subpar officiating last night, when four goals were called back for off-sides even though TV replays showed the reverse, the score gap may have been higher. Riveiro was merely relieved that they were able to secure such scoring positions.
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