By Kopano Monaheng
It’s not a fluke that Orlando Pirates found themselves in the semifinals of the champions League today . . .
It is because of the hardwork and dedication the Jose Riveiro’s lads have been showcasing since the start the current 2024/25 season.
The Buccaneers will tomorrow face Egyptian opposition, Pyramids FC in the first-leg of their Champions League semis at FNB stadium instead of their home ground Orlando stadium for the very first time this season due to the fact that every year, Grace Bible Church book the venue for their Easter celebrations.
Kickoff is at 6pm.
Jose Riveiro stated that his team will approach tomorrow’s game like any other games they played this season with the intentions to win the match irrespective of whether it’s a domestic league tie or a Champions League game.
Pirates understand that every single team that’s in the Champions League semis are determined to win tomorrow to go through to the final.
“I think they are the most difficult team we haven’t played yet this season, and we are about to play them,” he said at the press briefing on Good Friday at the FNB stadium where he was flanked by club captain Innocent Maela.
Pyramids FC are currently at the summit of the Egyptian Premier League table as the playoffs progress and have also reached the final of the Egyptian Cup.
They cannot be taken lightly despite the fact that they are in the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time in history, to be where they are now they have managed to beat the Morocco’s FAR Rabat 4-3 on aggregate.
“From my point of view, the fact that they are leading the domestic league, doing well in the cup competition as well; brilliant participation in the Champions League this season says a lot about them,” added Riveiro.
“They are a difficult team to control in defence, a lot of talent in the front four. Experience, they know very well, and they master their way. They are trying to play football in possession, so we know about the importance of making sure that tomorrow we can be in our best version; otherwise, any other version is not going to be enough.
Meanwhile in the other encounter Mamelodi Sundowns will host Al Aley in Tshwane tomorrow kickoff is at 3pm.
Picture: Taken from Orlando Pirates website
