Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro says their game against Stade d’Abidjan is an opportunity to strengthen their position and at the same time make it difficult for Ivorians with the knockout spot up for grabs. 

The Buccaneers will welcome the Ivorian giant Stade d’Abidjan at Orlando Stadium in the group stage of the CAF Champions League on Saturday (18:00). 

This will be a return game between these two sides as they played a 1-1 draw last month in Ivory Coast last month. 

“Game number four in the group, this is an opportunity for us to consolidate a good position in the table,” Riveiro said on Friday. 

“We are playing at home and the main objective is to get three points to minimize our opponent, to try to play with our strengths. Nothing special but knowing that the three points to play for are important for both teams. 

“It’s a game with a lot of things to play, very important for both teams and probably to fans. It’s a difficult one against a very good opponent in a good space right now, with good players and we know it’s going be a tough one.” 

Meanwhile, Riveiro, whose side is second in Group C with five points after three matches, two behind group leaders Al Ahly, closed off 2024 by beating Magesi in the Betway Premiership. 

The Spanish coach wants to go to this game on Saturday with the same mentality they showed against Dikwena Tsa Meetse. 

“There’s no difference [between league and champions league games], we play for winning every single game. In the league, we are running our race and at the end of the day we have a very complex game to play in a very difficult complex and manage to get good results,” Riveiro added. 

 “I’m so happy with the performance of the players in that game [against Magesi] because we know it’s difficult to play in those substances. It’s part of the whole process, having the opportunity to compete in away games with a different from Orlando Stadium. 

 “Tomorrow [Saturday] it’s another opportunity to show that we are in a good space. The group has an opportunity to show that they want to have good participation in this competition, not only in the group stage but ambition to fight to be in the top eight.” 

By the time Pirates played, they might be five points behind or third in the group depending on the scoreline between the Ahly and CR Belouidzad who are playing in Algeria on Friday (21:00).