“I think it’s fantastic for the future, especially for the future of our young players,” said Riveiro.
Following their disappointing exit from the CAF Champions League, Orlando Pirates will be looking to bounce back to winning ways when they host Sekhukhune United in a Betway Premiership clash at the Orlando Stadium this evening (kick-off is at 7.30pm).
Pyramids FC knocked out the Buccaneers from continental competition, winning 3-2 on aggregate in the semifinals last weekend.
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Prior to losing to the Egyptian side, Pirates had not suffered a loss in this season’s competition and coach Jose Riveiro had mixed emotions after the game at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo last Friday.
The Spaniard was disappointed with the result, but he was also proud of his young side’s ability to punch above their weight against some of Africa’s biggest clubs.
‘Champions League experience to help Pirates’
Riveiro, who is set to leave the Buccaneers at the end of the season, has predicted a bright future for Pirates.
“I think it’s fantastic for the future, especially for the future of our young players who are already important players at 19/20 years old, although they have a lot of things to improve and to keep proving that they are at the level and it’s very good news for the club as well because the future is looking bright for Orlando Pirates,” said Riveiro.
“Having a young squad, an ambitious one and right now with one more year of experience in a competition like the Champions League, so like I said, there’s a lot of things to celebrate not today (Friday), obviously today we are sad, we are not happy but the future is looking nice for the club.”
Pirates are currently second in the Betway Premiership standings with 46 points in 20 matches. They trail log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by nine points, but the Buccaneers have two games in hand over the Brazilians.
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‘Angry’ Tinkler eyes victory over Pirates
Babina Noko, on the other hand, are placed third in the standings with 41 points after 24 games. Their last outing was against TS Galaxy, which finished in a 1-1 draw.
Eric Tinkler was left angry after the draw against Galaxy.
“This should have been the easiest of our remaining five league fixtures,” said Tinkler.
“I was counting on three points from this match before tougher ones that lie ahead, starting with a visit to Orlando Pirates on Wednesday.”
