Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro is expecting a stern test against fellow Spaniard Pablo Franco Martin's AmaZulu in the last eight of the Nedbank Cup.
The Sea Robbers progressed into the quarter-final of the Nedbank Cup after a convincing 4-0 victory against Motsepe Foundation Championship side Hungry Lions in the Round of 16 of the competition.
Pirates who are the defending champions will be looking to retain their trophy but face a stern test against Usuthu for a semi-final berth in the Ke Yona competition.
“It’s a difficult one at this stage of the tournament, there is no easy opponent,” said Riveiro.
“We’ve played once against AmaZulu this season in Johannesburg, a well-organised team.
“It’s difficult to play well against them. If you look at their games nobody plays well when they play AmaZulu that’s because of the work they are doing,” the Spanish tactician added.
“But we know what’s coming, we prepared for that. Travelling to Durban is good for us.”
“We feel like home there, there’s going to be lots of Pirates fans that will be happy with the draw and will come in numbers to make a proper atmosphere at the stadium,” Riveiro concluded.
The Mighty Buccaneers are in the second spot on the DStv Premiership table and looking to maintain their position when they travel to Peter Mokaba Stadium to face Sekhukhune United on Saturday 30 March.
🎙️ Jose Riveiro:
— Lorenz Köhler (@Lorenz_KO) March 19, 2024
“Nobody plays well against AmaZulu.”#NedbankCup | @orlandopirates pic.twitter.com/nStMWSW97C
