Riveiro looks to make history with MTN8 title defence

Orlando Pirates’ coach Jose Riveiro has been here before and that’s why he’s not fazed by the challenge that lies ahead this afternoon.

Riveiro could etch his name in the history books by becoming the first coach to lead his team to three successive finals and crowns in the MTN8.

But to achieve that feat, he’ll have to get past a plucky Cape Town City side who held them to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the semi-final in Cape Town on Wednesday.

While Pirates hold the advantage – via the away goal rule - heading into the return leg at Orlando Stadium today (3pm), they are not home and dry just yet as City will come out guns blazing.

Riveiro is not worried though. He has been here before – having beaten Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch to win the last two semi-finals.

Pirates beat Sundowns 3-0 on aggregate two seasons ago, before needing the away goal rule to reach the last final after drawing 2-2 on aggregate with Stellenbosch.

So, speaking at the pre-match press conference at Orlando yesterday afternoon, Riveiro weighed in on the similarities between this season’s semi-final and the last two.

“The similarities are related with the level of the opponents,” the 48-year-old tactician explained.

“Cape Town City is an excellent side, the same way Stellenbosch was a year ago. And what can I say about Sundowns in our first season here together?

“So those are similarities. But we are playing a super cup – it’s among the best eight teams last season, and we didn’t finish in the top eight by chance as well.

“It was because every side is a good one, and every team is powerful. So, it’s an opportunity for all of us to fight for the trophy in a short space of time.”

Riveiro adds that while they are the team to beat for the Wafa Wafa cup crown, credit must go to all the eight teams that are involved in the competition as they’ve proved their prowess.

“It’s a huge opportunity for the players as individuals, the teams and the clubs. That’s what is similar,” he continued.

“It’s one game away from reaching the final, and it’s one game at home – so there’s double value, blah, blah, blah.

“But if I must highlight something, the level of the opponents is good in every game in this competition. We must give credit to the top eight finishers.

“If the team is in this competition, they did well a few months ago – not one year ago. That’s why this tournament, in my opinion, is a good test and an important one in our schedule.”

Pirates will want to prevail across all fronts this season. And that’s why they must work together with their supporters – the Ghost – and make Orlando a fortress.

And so far, so good. They’ve won convincingly their last two home games this season, beating SuperSport United 3-1 in the quarter-final and Disciples 4-0 in the Champions League preliminaries.

“We are playing at home, that’s an extra for us in terms of motivation. We are willing to do things in the right way,” Riveiro explained.

“It happened last year, and our first season together. We want to see Orlando packed, and it’s our responsibility to offer good shows and games. Then people will come voluntarily.”

The support that Riveiro expects from the Ghost this afternoon will come in handy, especially given the fact that he expects City to challenge for every trophy up for grabs this season.

“I think they are excellent – with a good combination of senior players who know how to control and win games, and youngsters,” Riveiro said of Eric Tinkler’s men.

“I think they are a very difficult team to play. They are very dynamic – they were in the second half and much more active on the ball.

“In my eyes, it’s not only about giving them respect because we do that to every opponent, but I think it’s one of the teams who’ll fight for the top positions this season. No doubt.”