Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has voiced out his feelings after his side qualified to play in the CAF Champions League next season.
The Buccaneers hammered AmaZulu 4-0 on Saturday in the DStv Premiership, collecting maximum points to finish second on the log standings. In 30 games they played this season, they amassed 54 points.
Pirates join Mamelodi Sundowns who secured a place in the competition after winning the league. Meanwhile, the Brazilians were dumped out of this year’s edition in the semifinals by Wydad Casablanca on Saturday.
The Soweto giants’ last appearance in the Champions League was in the 2019/20 season. It was a disappointing one as they crashed out of the competition in the first preliminary round after losing 2-1 on aggregate to the Green Eagles of Zambia.
Last season, they reached the CAF Confederation Cup final under the guidance of the former co-coaches Mandla Ncikazi and Fadlu Davids. However, they lost to RS Berkane after a penalty shootout.
Riveiro expressed his delight after accomplishing the Champions League spot mission. He also stated that a club of Pirates’ calibre should be in this competition each and every season.
JOSE RIVEIRO REACTS TO QUALIFYING FOR CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
“It [finishing in the 2nd position] gives us an opportunity to be in the Champions League next season,” said Riveiro.
“It’s something that a club like Orlando Pirates must achieve every single year. So I’m so happy to be part of this group.”
RIVEIRO SETS HIS SIGHT ON THE SECOND SECOND TROPHY THIS SEASON
Having qualified for the Champions League, Ezimnyama Ngenkani will be switching their focus to the Nedbank Cup final against Sekhukhune United on Saturday, 27 May. The match will take place at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium at 6 pm.
Riveiro stated he was looking forward to the task.
“I’m looking forward to the future and another future is the next week [Nedbank Cup final],” he added.
If the game ends in favour of Pirates on Saturday, this would be a second trophy for the Spaniard tactician since he joined the club at the start of the season.
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