They say that true champions are measured not only by the number of victories they are able to dish out but also by their ability to pick themselves up after they have been floored.
After coming back from the Mother City with a blue eye following a 1-0 uppercut by Cape Town City midweek, the bruised Orlando Pirates will turn their attention to the Caf Champions League group stage when they face Algeria’s CR Belouizdad in the second leg at the Orlando Stadium today at 3pm.
Jose Riveiro’s swashbuckling Buccaneers were battered, and they came back from Cape Town with their tails between their legs, but they will have to pick up the pieces, show character and bounce back when the Algerians come for revenge after the Pirates won the first leg 2-1 in Algeria in November last year.
Before yesterday’s other Group C clash between Stade d’Abidjan and Egyptian giants Al Ahly, Pirates were leading the group after four rounds of matches.
A victory against Belgium will propel the South Africans to the quarterfinals of this
season’s competition.
In the four matches, the Bucs have won two matches and drawn as many, registering eight points in the process.
Defending champions Al Ahly were breathing down their necks, sitting on seven points. And judging by how they have performed, the Buccaneers have a very good opportunity of advancing to the next round.
In the domestic league, the Pirates started with serious intent and sent a strong warning to their opponent when they broke the record, registering seven wins in as many matches.
They also won the MTN8 tournament and were seen as the club to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns, who have been bullying clubs in the PSL for the last 10 years or so.
But against the Citizens on Wednesday, the Bucs capitulated like teenagers at a matric dance after-party, and to this day, Bucs coach Riveiro still does not know what hit them.
“It’s actually quite difficult to explain the final result. I think the difference between both teams was too big this time. I cannot do an analysis here right now,” said a visibly stunned Riveiro after the match.
“We played like we play in all our matches. There was nothing wrong. And with all respect for the game of Cape Town City, it’s difficult to explain that we lost this game the way we did. But this is football; they managed to put one ball in the net, but we did not.
“But it was a very complete performance. We did everything to win the match; not much that you can do. So, to the next one,” he added.
Against the Algerians, Bucs will have to be on full alert and not be caught by another
sucker punch.
The visitors will be led by former City striker Khanyiso Mayo, who netted their consolation goal against the Buccaneers in Algeria.
The clinical Mayo is a former PSL Golden Boot award-winner.
