Orlando Pirates will battle Kaizer Chiefs without Jose Riveiro on the bench. Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
New CAF rule means more heartbreak for Orlando Pirates!
A new change in CAF’s inter-club competition rules results in more heartbreak for Jose Riveiro’s Orlando Pirates side!
Orlando Pirates will battle Kaizer Chiefs without Jose Riveiro on the bench. Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates suffered a suprise CAF Champions second League preliminary round loss against Jwaneng Galaxy on Friday night.
In prior years, the losers of the second CAF Champions League PRELIMINARY round matches would drop down into the CAF Confederation Cup final preliminary round.
But a change in CAF’s inter-club competition rules from this season onwards means the African dream comes to a complete halt for Jose Riveiro’s side.
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No CAF Confed Cup playoff for Orlando Pirates
In fact, if you look at last season’s CAF inter-club competitions, Cape Town City were eliminated at the exact same stage as Orlando Pirates in the Champions League by Petro Atletico.
The Citizens then dropped down to the CAF Confederation Cup final playoff round but once again fell short against Algeria’s USM Alger.
The change in competition format however means Orlando Pirates’ journey in Africa comes to an abrupt halt.
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Jose Riveiro at a loss for words
“It’s difficult to explain that in the last four games we scored only one goal and the way we did it today was a rebound or ugly goal.” the Orlando Pirates coach said after his side were eliminated from the CAF Champions League by Jwaneng Galaxy.
“It’s a difficult day. It’s not acceptable. Our team is built and prepared to go to the Champions League group stage so we cannot accept this result and only say that we were unlucky.”
Kaizer Chiefs are improving – Rhulani
“Contrary to what the results may suggest. We are playing against a very good side, a very improved Chiefs team.” – Rhulani Mokwena said as quoted by IOL.
“We want to try to win every match at Mamelodi Sundowns. Regardless of whatever advantage or disadvantage we may have.”
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