Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro was delighted with his side’s statement win over Al Ahly in their CAF Champions League clash in Cairo on Saturday that saw The Buccaneers top their pool but warned against getting too carried away.

Goals from Relebohile Mofokeng and Tshegofatso Mabasa sealed a famous win for Pirates, and Riveiro was pleased with his team’s ability to compete against the record 12-tine winners away from home.

“I think overall, it was good performance for us. And I really appreciate the effort of my players. The level of resilience they showed against Al Ahly is very good for the future,” Riveiro said.

“This is a message for us, for a young team to say and understand that we have the capacity to compete in games like this. I am not talking about the result, I am talking about the capacity to compete and staying in the game even at difficult times.

“That is what is important but for today, it’s the character and the personality of the team that matters in a scenario like this.

“Today was very important and the match was full of competition between the two teams. The first half had one form and the second half had another form. I am happy with the level we presented and happy with the high level of the Orlando Pirates players.

“Beating the African champions on their home ground and advancing as group leaders is a big thing. I was saying before the match that this encounter is very important. And that winning the match and advancing as leaders is something we can be proud of.

“It is too early to talk about the upcoming rounds. The important thing is that we gave a strong performance in the group stage and achieved 14 points.

“We have a great technical staff, and we all work together to solve any problem we face. I do not work alone.”

The quarter-finals get under way in late March and Pirates will be one of the seeded teams, to be drawn against a runner-up in the pool phase.