Orlando Pirates player Monnapule Saleng battle for the ball against Hungry Lions FC player Morena Monaheng during the Nedbank cup round 16 at Orlando Stadium The significance of Orlando Pirates’s victory over the weekend was something to behold for coach Jose Riveiro. Photo: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspaper.
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro cut a relieved figure after his side qualified for the Caf Champions League group stage over the weekend.
Pirates beat Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy 3-0 on aggregate on Saturday in Orlando, in the second preliminary round qualifiers for the Champions League.
Pirates scored a late winner through Monnapule Saleng to win their home tie 1-0 after carrying a two-goal advantage from the first leg.
Having arrived at Pirates in June 2022, Riveiro revealed the significance of his charges qualifying for the competition.
Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro on the special moment of his coaching career, returning the 1995 champions to the CAF Champions League group stages after a five-year absence.
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“It was absolutely special for me. Not everyone has the opportunity to coach Orlando Pirates. That’s the first thing that makes me feel fortunate,” said Riveiro.
“We have a fantastic group here that are taking us through to the group stage. I’m really proud of the work we did so far in these four games.
“I know how difficult it is to play preliminary rounds, and to play games you can only lose.”
The mental strength required to win the second leg after carrying an advantage into the match, also deserved credit felt Riveiro.
“We played against the champions of Botswana who have much more experience than us in this competition. It’s so difficult to play the second leg when you have an advantage and you don’t want to lose that advantage.
“Last season we got eliminated here in front of a very small crowd. But today we could feel the support. I thank the people that came out to support us.
“For us it’s one of the main objectives to be in the group stage. It’s something we have to replicate every year at a club like Pirates. It’s very important to be there with the best teams on the continent.”
Pirates are next in action on Tuesday in the Betway Premiership, at home again, when they take on Polokwane City.