FILE - Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro on the touchline during a league match. Riveiro hopes his team can hit their straps against Disciples FC. FILE - Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro on the touchline during a league match. Riveiro hopes his team can hit their straps against Disciples FC. Picture: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
Orlando Pirates coach Jose RIveiro is looking for a more composed and cohesive performance from his charges when they take on Disciples FC in the second leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary round match.
The Malagasy side frustrated Pirates in the first leg, holding the Buccaneers to a goalless draw. However, Pirates will enjoy the home comforts of the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday night, with a win taking them a step closer to the group stages of the Champions League.
Pirates had a couple of good chances in the first leg, but lacked a bit of patience in their build-up play and composure in front of goal.
Riveiro hopes his team can hit their straps a lot earlier in the match to try and dominate from the first whistle.
“They are a difficult team with the capacity to run, defend and work for each other as a team,” said Riveiro.
Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela ahead of their Champions League, preliminary stage clash against Disciples.
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“We just need to be patient but at the same time try to find our rhythm as soon as possible in the first 45 minutes.”
It’s still early in the season, and Pirates can be excused for a few stray passes and touches. But their Champions League future is now on the line.
Last season Pirates were dumped out of the competition in the second round of preliminary qualifiers by Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana. A team of their quality should at least make the group stages.
“I can say a lot of things, but the truth is, we need to play close to our best performance, one more time,” said Riveiro.
“We are looking to have a good start in every game and it’s going to be key for us to respect the opponent.
“Even though we dominated the game and had (enough) chances to score there, it was strange that the game finished 0-0. But they also had opportunities to score, let’s be fair.
“We need to show that we can play in a different rhythm than them and maybe it will be complicated for them one more time.”
@JohnGoliarth82