Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro will enter new territory in the CAF Champions League and this will no doubt be a huge test as they look to conquer both on the continent and domestically.
The Buccaneers sit at the top of the Betway Premiership with a 100 percent record, but now have the addition of group stage football, where their depth, consistency and ability to deliver during a demanding schedule will be tested.
READ: Massive Boost As 7 Players Return For Pirates
Riveiro has done well with the domestic competitions, but the Champions League provides a different test, with long flights, challenging pitches like artificial turf and hostile treatment.
Former Pirates defender Rooi Mahamutsa, a Champions League finalist in 2013, says being able to compete on both fronts is not determined by the size of the squad, but rather by the mentality they have. So, in this case, Pirates would need to believe.
Pirates are in Group C with Al Ahly, Stade d'Abidjan and CR Belouizdad, a side they face first away from home in Algeria this evening.
"In football, there's winning mentality and the goals you want to achieve. You can have a small squad, but that squad can compete in both domestic and Champions League. Pirates has a big squad that can compete, both domestically and in Africa. The most important thing will be having that winning mentality and believing that they can do it. It's going to be a good test for the coach playing in the group stages," Mahamutsa said to the Siya crew.
READ: Pirates Could Have An Advantage In Appollis Race
"It's not going to be easy. I am sure they know how Pirates play, but I am sure the Pirates analysts have done their homework on the opposition and I believe they are going to come up with a good game plan. I believe that they can come back with maximum points, but they also shouldn't be desperate for a win because a draw away from home will be good as it's still the first game of the group stages. But in the current form they are in, I believe they will make us happy. I think they will do everything to make sure that the team achieves more."
