Former Orlando Pirates coach Fadlu Davids believes the Buccaneers can pull off a surprise in the CAF Champions League this season, owing to their good run so far.
Pirates sealed a place in the quarter-final last weekend, following a 2-1 win over Algeria’s CR Belouizdad, and are top of their group with 11 points, one ahead of Egyptian giants Al Ahly, who are also the defending champions.
The Soweto giants are unbeaten in this season’s competition, following three wins and two draws, and will play away to Al Ahly this weekend, knowing they can finish top of their group if they avoid defeat.
What does Davids make of Pirates?
Pirates’ run has left their former coach Davids delighted and he is backing them to pull off some shocks along the way due to the quality they have in the squad.
“Orlando Pirates have a solid squad and they have improved since I left the club,” Davids told Al Ahly TV.
“This Champions League season is different, Orlando Pirates will be a surprise because they have an excellent coach,” he added, backing Jose Riveiro to take them far in the competition.
Riveiro’s team have been excellent
Davids joined Pirates as an assistant to Josef Zinnabauer in January 2019 and worked at the club until June 2022 before he followed his boss to Lokomotiv Moscow and Raja Casablanca.
He is now head coach of Tanzanian giants Simba SC, who he has led to the top of the country’s league, and is close to securing a quarter-final place in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Pirates, meanwhile, continue to surprise this season as besides their great Champions League run, which has seen them make it to the quarter-final for the first time since 2013, they are also just three points behind Mamelodi Sundowns in the PSL.
