Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has downplayed his side's impressive performance in the CAF Champions League, despite securing qualification for the quarterfinals.
The Buccaneers defeated CR Belouizdad 2-1 at Orlando Stadium this past weekend, securing their third group stage victory.
With 11 points from five games, they currently top the group standings. A victory or draw against Al Ahly next week will guarantee them a first-place finish.
While acknowledging the possibility of topping the group, Riveiro emphasized that it was not their primary objective, given the team's relative inexperience in the competition.
‘IT WAS NEVER THE MAIN OBJECTIVE’
“We have any oppurtunity to go there and compete and win one more time, in a magnificent scenario, with an oppurtunity of leading the group in the end,” said Riveiro.
“So there is a lot of components to keep our motivation very high and not take the last game of the group lightly.
“Like I said, to be competitive with our team in this competition, we need our best performance all the time.
“There is no other way that you can win games and if we are not 100% in Cairo, it won’t be a good day for us.
“We can’t afford to go there in our 98% or 97%, because this is a very good team when playing at home.
“Why not finish the group stage in the leading? It was never the main objective, the objective was to be in the next round.
“The next plan is always to win and when we have the chance, we have to make it happen.”
