Pirates look to continue their dominance over AmaZulu, at their happy hunting ground
20th March 2024
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Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro believes that a return to Durban is a good omen for his team.
Riveiro, armed with a proud record of having won three of the four knockout trophies that he’s contested since his arrival in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in 2022
Speaking to SABC Sport after his team was drawn away to AmaZulu in the quarterfinal stage of the Nedbank Cup on Tuesday night.
The Pirates mentor believes that good preparation will be key for the defending champions to overcome a tricky Usuthu side.
''I believe in our team, and believe that we are one step closer to the objective - it is going to be a difficult one, but preparation is going to be key,'' said Riveiro.
Pirates have won two of their last three trophies under Riveiro in Durban (MTN8), and they are also unbeaten against Usuthu in the last 19 matches. Bucs last loss to the Durbanites 11 years ago, another reason for Riveiro to feel confident ahead of this fixture.
''We always want to play at home, but this is another opportunity to play in Durban. Hopefully we do all it takes to play a good match,'' added Riveiro.
Pirates will be meeting AmaZulu on two consecutive weekends next month, starting with the cup game and the league thereafter.
These fixtures also come at a time when the Buccaneers have got good momentum in the second round just like last season.
In the league, they are currently 13 points behind log leaders and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who also have two games in hand. Riveiro says their focus is on bettering their performances.
''You go through different moments in your performance, but it is no excuse. At some point we lost the opportunity to be close but now it seems to be far, but we have to keep playing and be competitive till the end,'' he concluded.
Last season Pirates had a very impressive second-round performance as they collected 35 points from a possible 45 in the league, winning 11 games, drawing two, and losing only two matches.
They also went on to win the Ke Yona trophy, Riveiro highlights the factors that were behind that success.
