Jose Riveiro is a realistic coach. As such, he knows that the postponement and cancellation of matches at the 11th hour unfortunately comes with the job.
Orlando Pirates were scheduled to face Royal AM in the Premiership at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg last night, but that match was postponed.
This was due to the ongoing troubles facing Royal AM, which include the curatorship of the club by the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
Pirates, fresh from qualifying for the CAF Champions League quarter-final after finishing top of Group C with 14 points, were expected to fly out to Durban on Wednesday.
But the PSL called the game off. That put a spanner in the works as Pirates had planned to camp in Durban as they’d face Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup last 32 on Sunday.
Speaking during a Nedbank Cup pre-match press conference in Sandton yesterday, Riveiro opened up on the changes in the past two matches.
“It’s a permanent adaptation to the circumstances surrounding our job. So, this was one more,” said Riveiro ahead of the clash at King Zwelithini Stadium in uMlazi (3pm kick-off).
“We were prepared to travel to Durban, and stay there for the rest of the week, and have a good camp. But it was unfortunately not possible.
“We had to change our schedule. It’s the second time this season that has happened because when we had to face Cape Town City in Cape Town… we had to play 24 hours later.
“We had to find a way to stay and focus on the game. So, this time, it’s changing the plan.
“We would really like to have played the game, and fight for the three points. But it was impossible.
“We must switch our minds and play a final. If you want to win the final, you must play a final from the first game of this type of tournament.”
☠️ ⏪️ 𝗬𝗔𝗗𝗛𝗖𝗧𝗔𝗠 ⏪️
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) January 19, 2025
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🎤 Relebohile Mofokeng
🆚 Al Ahly
📍 Cairo International 🏟
🗓️ 18 January 2025
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Pirates will visit Richards Bay hoping to make up for lost ground.
The KZN-based side eliminated the Sea Robbers in the Carling Knockout opening round last season.
And having improved since, winning the Nedbank Cup for the second season in succession, Pirates are expected to win the tournament in this campaign as well.
“Sunday is another opportunity to show that the team is growing. Winning is something that everyone is expecting from us – it’s nothing new,” Riveiro said.
“I am trying to put the focus on the level that the team is performing at. So, that’s my focus at the moment.”
The Buccaneers will cruise to Durban high on confidence. They beat Al Ahly in the last Champions’ League group stage for their third victory in Cairo.
That win didn’t only see Pirates end the group stage unbeaten, but it gave a lot of experience to their young players.
Relebohile Mofokeng, 20, was so good against the Red Devils that he scored the first goal and walked away with the Player of the Match award.
“I did say after the match that it was a good message for us, especially given the level that the players managed to play in on the day,” Riveiro explained.
“It was important to know how much we can do as a group and achieve when we are in a good mood, and everything is coming alright.
“So, that’s the main outcome we must target for games like that in the future. We have a young squad who do not have a lot of experience.” | Independent Media Sport