sportskeeda
Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro remarked that the trip from Algeria to South Africa for another match, following their game against CR Belouizdad, did not affect his players either mentally or physically, as they were well-informed about the schedule ahead of time.
The Buccaneers started their group stage campaign in the Champions League on Tuesday, facing the strong CR Belouizdad. Fortunately for Riveiro’s squad, they returned with a satisfying 2-1 victory, thanks in part to young star Mohau Nkota, who scored both goals. This Sunday, they will meet Stellenbosch at Orlando Stadium in a league match.
Riveiro highlighted the significance of concentrating on securing a victory in the forthcoming match while also performing to their high standards.
“Nothing [regarding the travel from Algeria to South Africa for another match immediately after playing in Algeria] impacted the players mentally or physically,” the Spanish coach stated.
“We have been aware of the schedule for a considerable time and have prepared accordingly. Our focus is solely on what we can do to reach our objectives—winning the game and performing at our peak.”
“We are thoroughly preparing for everything; we don’t waste time feeling sorry for ourselves or being fatigued. By Sunday, we’ll be ready and equipped to perform well, so it won’t be a significant challenge for us.”
On the other hand, Riveiro believes that the upcoming match against Stellenbosch will be tough since they consistently provide a solid challenge.
“They have maintained a high level of competitiveness for quite some time, and their success is not by chance; it highlights their quality as a cohesive team,” Riveiro noted.
“They underwent changes last season with several key players in their squad. Yet, they continue to perform at a high level and are representing the country on the African stage.
“They have the ability to adapt to various contexts. Over the last season and this season, they have reached two finals in succession, which is indicative of the strong culture within the team that constantly poses challenges for us.”
“We faced them recently in Orlando, where we led 2-0 after 70 minutes but ultimately lost 3-2. That reflects the caliber of the opponent we are about to encounter.”
“We must acknowledge their resources and the style of football they play. They excel at controlling possession, defending well, and launching quick transitions, as well as creating opportunities from set pieces,” he elaborated.
“Their consistent performance is not incidental; they have been strong for quite some time. They are well-organized and possess the talent to make any game difficult for us.”
This matchup is not the first encounter for the two teams this season. Last month, the Buccaneers secured a 3-1 victory over Stellenbosch in the MTN 8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Monnapule Saleng, Tshegofatso Mabasa, and Relebohile Mofokeng, who was the young player of the season for 2023/24, scored the three goals that brought victory for the Pirates.
