Orlando Pirates head coach José Riveiro expressed excitement after attacking midfielder Karim Kimvuidi scored his first goal in the CAF Champions League following their 4-0 victory over Disciples FC of Madagascar at Orlando Stadium on Friday night.

Kimvuidi, who was signed from Maritzburg United at the start of last season, rounded the scoring when he fired the fourth into the roof of the net for the Soweto giants as they completely ran off the Madagascan side.

The Buccaneers are aiming to advance to the group stages of a CAF inter-club competition for the first time since the 2021/22 season in the CAF Confederation Cup. Last season, they suffered a surprising elimination in the second preliminary round at the hands of Jwaneng Galaxy.

Riveiro’s men will once again face the Botswana Premier League champions for a place in the group stages of Africa’s biggest club competition. Jwaneng Galaxy defeated African Stars of Namibia 6-5 in a penalty shootout to reach this stage.

Kimvuidi, who came on as a second-half substitute and scored the final goal for Pirates on Friday, received praise from Riveiro, who was impressed by his performance.

“I think it can only help him use the time he’s getting. It’s tough to get playing time in this group, especially in the position Karim is playing in,” said Riveiro.  

“One of the three forwards on Friday, he played in a slightly different space than the space he’s used to play in.” 

He added: “That’s what the players need to do whenever they are coming to the field, show who they are as football players, who they are during the week, in the training, how well prepared they are, and don’t miss your opportunities and on Friday today Karim took his.”  

The 46-year-old Spanish coach believes that scoring the goal will boost Kimvuidi’s confidence going forward, as scoring is not one of his strengths. “Let’s say the goal it’s a positive thing and I think it’s going to help him to be confident next time, and for the fans to see Karim scoring is good news which is probably not his strength,” said the Bucs mentor.  

“He’s one player who’s used to be in the last pass or second last pass, but it’s good news for all of us, that Karim is trying hard, so I think we are all happy to see Karim happy.”

Riveiro’s team will now travel to Cape Town City for the first leg of the MTN8 semifinals on Tuesday (19:00) as they look to defend their title. Kimvuidi scored the winning penalty when Pirates defeated Mamelodi Sundowns in the final of this competition at the Moses Mabhida Stadium last year.

Article by Trevor Magoro