Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro insists his side are not favourites heading into their Carling Black Label Knockout encounter.
Fresh from their MTN8 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns, and having also scooped two cup trophies last season, Pirates head into their upcoming clash with struggling Cape Town Spurs with a clear advantage.
While Spurs have lost all eight DStv Premiership games this season, Riveiro’s side proved they have what it takes to impose themselves, after seeing off a dominant Brazilians side last week.
Following the draw for the Carling Black Label Knockout, the Bucs boss said on IOL: “If you want to be in the final, you’ll have to beat more than just Pirates.
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro reflects after they were drawn with Cape Town Spurs in the Carling Black Label Knockout. pic.twitter.com/ZkbpZ537qE
— Mahlatse Mphahlele (@BraMahlatse) October 10, 2023
“What we did in the past is done. We must look to the future. We all start with the same probabilities of wanting to win the trophy.
“We are going to try (and win) again. But for sure, we are going to be a tough opponent for every team that we will meet in the competition.”
Riveiro added: “We are coming from a final against Sundowns, the hype is extremely high. And now we are going to play a team that’s temporarily 16th on the log.
“So, we need to find a way to prepare the players mentally to understand that it’s a knockout game. I am sure the players will understand the importance of the game and things are going to work well for us.”
