Riveiro: Duba’s Absence Will Not Make a Difference

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has revealed the absence of Wandile Duba for Kaizer Chiefs will not be a huge factor in their game plan.  

Duba, who has been one of the shining stars for Chiefs, will miss the Soweto Derby match for Chiefs against Pirates at FNB Stadium on Saturday.  

The Amakhosi’s academy graduate suffered a serious injury in their 4-0 victory against Free Agents in the Last 32 of the Nedbank Cup last week, and was substituted by Ranga Chivaviro before second-half. Duba, 20, has scored four league goals this season. 

“Yes, Duba is injured but we are not going to change our game plan because of that,” Riveiro said. 

“They are going to play with 11 players, but if they were going to play with maybe nine players, we were going to change the game plan. They are going to play with 11 players, so we are going to try to anticipate a little bit of what they can do on the day, which players can be on the field. 

“Hopefully, we can get close to what Nabi is thinking right now, and the same Nabi is trying to know what Riveiro is thinking about the starting eleven and approach.  

“I think that’s the name of the game, we try to anticipate things that works on us then during the night we should do another preparation. 

“Whoever is on the field is going to run an extra mile. It’s a special day and I think it’s going to be a tough one from both sides.” 

The Spanish tactician added that the Soweto Derby is the biggest game compared to the games has played in the group stage of the CAF Champions League this season. 

“Derby is unique, you cannot compare it with any other games even Champions League games,” Riveiro added. 

“There’s a lot of support we get in this game, the atmosphere that fans are capable to create in the FNB Stadium it’s something that you cannot compare with anything else, and after derby it’s three points.”