Jose Riveiro alludes that Pirates is ready for CAF
By Neo Poho
Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has reiterated that there is no excuse for Pirates to not successfully compete in the CAF Champions League and domestic cups next season.
Currently occupying the second spot in the DStv Premiership table with two more matches remaining, Pirates are on the verge of qualifying for the CAF Champions League next season alongside league champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Despite all the logistics and resources required for continental football, Riveiro is certain the Buccaneers will have a competitive squad that will be capable of being competitive in every competition they partake in next season.
"Hopefully next season we will be in the CAF Champions League and everyone is looking forward to it, especially the players, they would rather play every three days and train less, especially at this moment of the season.
In the beginning, it’s different because you implement and produce adaptations in players, tactically and conditionally, but at this point of the season, even we as coaches, just want to play matches," Riveiro said.
With Pirates gradually becoming a force to be reckoned with again under Riveiro, the Spaniard insisted that the Buccaneers can only grow from the current success to becoming better in the seasons to come.
"The team is in a good moment and we can show it, the players are also in good spirits so we just have to keep the momentum and understand that next season will be a little bit different with long trips, short times to rest but when you can play every three days, it’s fine.
"We belong in the CAF Champions League that is why we are pushing so hard to win all our outstanding games because we can only grow from this season going forward, so we are looking forward to finishing the league strong and continuing with our form next season," Riveiro added.
Pirates next face Sekhukhune United in another DStv Premiership clash at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday the 13th of May before traveling to KZN for an encounter with AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on the 20th of May.
Article Tags
Africa
Education
Joburg
South Africa
Greatest Africans