Pirates survive MC Alger battle to reach Champions League semis

JOSE Riveiro is the conductor of his own orchestra as he continues to produce sweet melodies in his last dance at Orlando Pirates.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

The outgoing Pirates coach guided his team to the CAF Champions League semi-finals after beating MC Alger 1-0 on aggregate on Wednesday night.

Riveiro’s men did most of the job away in the first leg, after winning 1-0 courtesy of a Mohau Nkota goal, and finished it off with a goalless draw at a buzzing Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night.

Pirates will face Pyramids in the semi-final – a feat that they’ve reached for the first time since losing as finalists in 2013.

It’s fast becoming a fairy-tale end to Riveiro’s stint after he announced he’ll not be renewing his three-year contract at the end of the season.

Riveiro might not only win the African crown for the first time in 30 years, but the title in 15 years and third successive Nedbank Cup. He’s already won the MTN8 this season.

The Ghost had longed for days and nights like these where they’d be in full voice, cheering their own coaches and players in the biggest event on the content.

On Wednesday night, those dreams were realised as they were the fuel behind the Sea Robbers, who cruised into the steady waters of the semi-finals.