Jose Riveiro Open to Sundowns Clash in CAF Champions League Quarterfinals

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has expressed his openness to facing rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in the upcoming 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League quarterfinal draw, set to take place on Thursday in Doha, Qatar.

A Chance for Redemption

Pirates recently suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Sundowns in a Betway Premiership clash in Tshwane. However, with both South African giants progressing to the Champions League knockout stages, there is a strong possibility of another showdown between them—this time on the grand stage of African club football.

Speaking after his side’s 3-1 Nedbank Cup Last 16 victory over Baroka FC at Orlando Stadium, Riveiro shared his thoughts on the looming draw.

“If it’s Sundowns, we don’t have to travel so far, so it can be good planning for both teams. We know each other very well. We’re gonna play again on the 15th [of March] as well,” said Riveiro.

Tactical Considerations

Pirates finished top of Group C without suffering a defeat, meaning they will have the advantage of playing the second leg at home. Alongside them and Sundowns, the draw also features continental heavyweights such as defending champions Al Ahly, Al Hilal, AS FAR, Esperance, Pyramids, and MC Alger.

Riveiro admitted that his technical team has discussed the best possible matchups for their playing style but emphasized that any opponent at this stage would be a tough challenge.

“For me to make any comment about the possibility of the draw, we have our conversation among ourselves as technical staff [in terms of] which one could be better for the way we play football, more than anything else,” he explained.

A Spectacle for South African Football

While Riveiro is open to facing Sundowns in the quarterfinals, he believes it would be even better for South African football if the two teams met later in the competition.

“If it’s Sundowns, it’s going to be a big clash for the country. It’s going to attract a lot of attention one more time. Hopefully, it’s not this time; hopefully, it is a little bit later in the competition. It could be much better for all of us if that game happens just at the end,” he added.

Both Pirates and Sundowns are also in the draw for the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals, which will take place in Johannesburg later today.