Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has shared his verdict on African interclub competitions, alluding to difficult playing conditions being a significant role player. 

Last season, the Spaniard led his troops to an underwhelming CAF Champions League stint, suffering a stunning early exit from the competition, at the hands of Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana. 

However, the setback was later buried after the Buccaneers enjoyed yet another season of success, winning two trophies and once again registering a spot in this season’s CAF Champions League having finished second in the league. 

Having watched and enjoyed short participation in a CAF interclub competition, the two-time League Cup winner has outlined his impression of the quality of the tournament, highlighting its ability to present a range of interesting circumstances. 

“It’s a difficult competition that I know, and the players know, it even more than in the PSL and I think to succeed in this competition it belongs to our capacity to adapt to many circumstances and scenarios that will find when you are abroad,” explained the 48-year-old.

Riveiro further pointed out the difficulties that he and his team have faced and anticipate encountering in this type of competition, alluding to a popular aspect, in pitch conditions. 

“Unexpected situations and difficult conditions in terms of the surfaces that you find, approach from the opponent, and sometimes the lack of information about the opponent,” said Riverio. 

Pirates face Madagascan side, Disciples on Friday (19:30) for the second leg of the first preliminary round of the Champions League. 

Played on Saturday in a neutral venue in Mauritania, Pirates were held by a stubborn Disciples to a 0-0 stalemate.

Popularly known in South Africa as the ‘Spanish Guitar’, Riveiro insists on steady step by step process, in shunning yet another early preliminary round exit. 

“We have to go step by step, we have experienced already in a difficult environment so on Friday we have an opportunity to complete the second leg and make sure we are in the next round,” asserted the two-time MTN8 winner. 

The Pirates tactician further acknowledged his opponent’s strengths, one of which being their disciplined defensive shape, challenging him to deliver a tactical masterclass in breaking the Madagascans down. 

“It’s a compact team to break, with a capacity to sacrifice themselves like they did in the first leg and I’m sure that tomorrow is going to be the same challenge,” declared the Pirates gaffer. 

On Friday, the Buccaneers will look to go a step closer to another CAF group stage qualification, having last reached the stage in the CAF Confederations Cup in the 2021/22 season, losing the final to RS Berkane.