NEWS: Orlando Pirates out to defend Nedbank Cup

Head coach Jose Riveiro insists that his Orlando Pirates side are determined to defend their Nedbank Cup crown with the race for the DStv Premiership looking to be almost over.

Having already lifted the MTN8, Pirates go in search of another cup trophy and begin the defence of their Nedbank Cup campaign with a Round of 32 clash against Crystal Lake on Saturday.

With the gap to Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the league table at 13 points, Riveiro admits the title race is pretty much over.

“The distance between us and the team at the top of the table is big,” Riveiro said.

“We need to continue and keep trying, competing in every league game. We want to go back to continental football without any discussion, and we know there’s only one way to do it (which is to finish in the top three).

“There’s an extra motivation, which is one more cup to play for. We are defending the trophy like we used to say, and it’s a competition that I really like.”

After their inconsistent league displays, the Buccaneers are in fourth position and four points behind second-placed Cape Town City FC but can still qualify for the CAF Champions League by clinching the Nedbank Cup.

“I would like to know who we are going to play next week but we’ll prepare ourselves. We are, as usual, going to take the game very seriously,” Riveiro added.

“Last year, we experienced playing Dondol Stars, FC All Stars or Venda Academy. And that was not an easy path for us. It’s difficult playing against unknown teams.”

Kick-off is at 19:00.