Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro and captain Innocent Maela have shared the same sentiment on whether the Buccaneers have ‘a special game plan’ for Percy Tau for their match against Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League.
The Soweto giants are set to host Al Ahly at a sold-out Orlando Stadium on Saturday, December 7th, 2024, in their second CAF Champions League group stage encounter.
In their first match of the group stages, Pirates defeated CR Belouizdad 2-1 away from home to collect three crucial points.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian giants claimed an impressive 4-2 victory over Stade d’Abidjan at Cairo International Stadium. The Red Devils and Pirates are level on three points in the group C of the Champions League.
Interestingly, the Sea Robbers faced South African-born striker Khanyisa Mayo against CR Belouizdad. Mayo was a constant threat to the Pirates’ defence and scored the solitary goal for the Algerian side.
The 1995 CAF Champions League winners are now poised to face another South African attacker, Tau, who has a history of facing Pirates during his time at Mamelodi Sundowns.
So far in the continental tournament, the 30-year-old has found the back of the net twice in three matches.
PIRATES’ RIVEIRO AND MAELA: NO SPECIAL PLAN FOR PERCY TAU
When asked if there were any specific game plans to neutralise Tau, both Riveiro and Maela emphasised their focus on the team as a whole rather than individual players.
“For me, the answer is no [on special arrangement for Percy Tau]. It’s a simple no,” said Maela while addressing the media at Orlando Stadium on Friday.
Riveiro added to Maela’s voice and said, “Our plan is not relegated to any individual; it’s never been like that, and this one [against Al Ahly] is not exceptional.”
Meanwhile, Pirates will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing 1-0 defeat against Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership last weekend. The defeat against Stellies was their first loss of the 2024/25 season in the league after eight matches.
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