Orlando Pirates head coach, José Riveiro, believes that their strong form in the Betway Premiership will not have much bearing when they face CR Belouizdad in the CAF Champions League on Tuesday.
The Soweto giants make their long-awaited return to the group stages of Africa’s premier club competition for the first time since 2019, and are eager to begin their campaign on a positive note.
They have won all seven of their opening matches this season and are currently top of the Betway Premiership with 21 points.
The Buccaneers also claimed the MTN 8 title, defeating Stellenbosch FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium in October, much to the delight of the club’s loyal supporters.
Despite their strong start to the season, Riveiro believes their impressive form in the PSL will not carry much weight against the Algerian outfit.
“This is a different competition, I don’t think our situation in the league is going to play going to play a big role.
“I think Belouizdad is coming from .... with a new coaching staff getting better, honestly in the last few weeks, getting a really good result the last time they played in their league.
“So probably of all of those components are going to be more important than the current situation in the league,” Riveiro said.
The Spanish tactician also highlighted that both teams were in excellent form, emphasising that both sides have the opportunity to start on a positive note on Tuesday.
“I think both teams are in a good space coming from good results in our local competition but again this is the Champions League. It’s a different story, it’s going to be a different atmosphere, a different approach from both teams, it’s a group stage.
“It’s the first game of the group stage probably we will know more much more about each other in the end of the 90.
“But tomorrow we have the opportunity, both of us to start the with a good result. It’s going to be a good game I think,”
IOL Sport