Nie Cele
Buoyant and adamant Orlando Pirates mentor, Jose Riveiro is convinced about his team’s chances of winning in their second leg CAF Champions League clash against Botswana outfit Jwaneng Galaxy at Orlando Stadium tonight.
However, the cautious gaffer did not underestimate the opposition’s prowess who are also hell bent of turning the tables after their 2-0 loss in the first leg played in Botswana last weekend.
Addressing the media yesterday, Bucs coach reiterated how important this match was, adding their wish and objective to win and go through to the group stages.
“For us this is an opportunity to win and go to the group stages. It’s going to be a complicated match playing a good team. But we are ready to consolidate the result we got last week. There is no space for us to speculate it’s going to be a difficult game.”
Riveiro also issued a stern warning they are mentally prepared and want nothing else but a good result.
“We have to concentrate and be focussed, we have to approach the game with a winning mentality, hopefully the stadium will also be packed as usual. We are comfortable to play at Orlando Stadium given the number of people who are behind us. It’s a pleasure to play for people who are behind us and a constant motivation. We are conscious and responsible and know in-front of us there is a good team. First 15 and 20 minutes is going to be crucial.
“For big clubs like Pirates winning must be a habit and it’s a must. We are here to win matches, play in the final and win trophies; there is talent and capacity in this team.
“On knockout games it’s all about the needs of that day. We are ready for any possible scenario. The only good results everybody is expecting from us is a win.”
Meanwhile, Jwaneng Coach, Morena Ramoreboli sent a warning to Pirates and hinted “it’s another 90 minutes which requires us to turn things around. In a game of football you don’t look at performance only, but also look at chances. We have fine-tuned certain things to make sure we come here fully prepared,” he said.
