Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has addressed the possibility of facing domestic rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League, ahead of the official draw on February 20 in Doha, Qatar.
The Buccaneers, who topped Group C ahead of Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly, could be drawn against Sundowns, who finished second in Group B.
The other potential quarter-final opponents for Pirates are Algerian champions MC Alger and Egyptian side Pyramids FC.
Familiar foes on the continental stage
Sundowns and Pirates have already met in domestic competition this season, with Sundowns claiming a dominant 4-1 victory in a league encounter earlier this month.
Despite that result, Riveiro remains unfazed by the prospect of meeting them again, noting the advantages of facing a familiar opponent.
They are one of the three teams we can draw.
If it is Sundowns, we don’t have to travel far, so it can be beneficial for both teams’ planning.
We know each other very well and we play each other again on March 15,” Riveiro said.
The 49-year-old emphasized that his side does not fixate on the reputation of potential opponents when preparing for cup competitions.
Instead, they focus on finding a team that aligns well with their playing style.
Preference for a later encounter
While Riveiro is open to a quarter-final clash against Sundowns, he admitted he would prefer to meet them later in the tournament.
If it’s Sundowns, it will be a big clash for the country, it will attract a lot of attention again, but I hope it’s not this time.
I hope it’s a little bit later in the competition, it would be even better for both of us if it was a game right at the end, he explained.
Pirates’ return to the CAF Champions League knockout stage
This marks Orlando Pirates’ first appearance in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals since the 2012/13 season, when they reached the final but fell short against Al Ahly.
It is also their first time progressing past the group stage since the 2018/19 campaign, highlighting their resurgence on the African stage.
With the draw approaching, anticipation is building over whether the tournament will see an all-South African showdown or if Pirates will face one of their North African counterparts.
Regardless of the outcome, Riveiro’s side remains focused on advancing further in their bid for continental glory.
