Caf Champions League: Jose Riveiro admits the threat posed by Pyramids FC but insists Orlando Pirates 'are not here by chance'

Orlando Pirates are in the semi-finals of the Caf Champions League and host Pyramids in a first-leg match at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

The Soweto giants coach Jose Riveiro is aware of the challenge and threat posed by Egyptian moneybags Pyramids but feels they can hold their own.

“In my point of view, the fact that they lead in the domestic league, doing well in the cup competitions, as well as brilliant participation in the Champions League this season, tells a lot about them,” Riveiro told the media.

“Afterall, analysing them and knowing a little bit about the way they play football and their complexity that will require to stop them, tomorrow I can tell you they not in the semi-finals like I think the rest of us in the competition – [Al] Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns – we are not here by chance. 

“We are here because we were doing the things very well all the way through the competition and it’s a difficult team to control in defence. A lot of talent in the front four – experience," added the Spaniard.

“They know very well and they master the way they trying to play their football in possession. So, we know about the importance of making sure that tomorrow we can be in our best version; otherwise universal version is not going to be enough. 

“So, we accept the challenge, we're ready to go, we really want to test ourselves one more time in this moment of the competition. 

“And let’s see, let’s see how good we can be on the day, and for sure it’s gonna be an equal game, it’s the semi-final of the Champions League, that’s what I can tell you right now about them without saying so much.”

The Buccaneers are pushing for a first Champions League title since 1995, as Riveiro bids to give himself a befitting farewell as he leaves Pirates at the end of this season.

What could make it a perfect season for the Soweto giants is the possibility of meeting Mamelodi Sundowns in the Champions League final.

Masandawana are also in the semi-finals of the Champions League and face another Egyptian side in defending champions Al Ahly.

Pirates wrap up their preparations for Pyramids, hoping to hand themselves a huge first-leg advantage ahead of the trip to Egypt.

Riveiro will be hoping none of his players become last-minute injury worries going into a match where he has to have all his best men.