Riveiro Determined To Relieve Nedbank Cup Nice Memories
Orlando Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro, acknowledges the challenges posed by Richards Bay FC as they prepare to defend their Nedbank Cup title. The Buccaneers visit King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday for their round of 32 clash.
Pirates have enjoyed significant success in the competition in recent years, winning the trophy in the last two seasons under Riveiro’s guidance. They overcame Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns in the respective finals, establishing a formidable record in the tournament.
Despite their impressive league form this season (currently second behind Sundowns), Pirates cannot afford to underestimate Richards Bay. The KwaZulu-Natal side, currently struggling in 14th position in the Betway Premiership, has proven to be a difficult opponent for the Buccaneers in the past.
“If someone knows how difficult it is to play Richards Bay, we are one of them,” said Riveiro.
“Three times last season, we couldn’t even score a goal. They knocked us out in the Carling Cup, they beat us in Orlando and it was goalless draw in Durban.
“This season we managed to beat them two times in the league, but they were very tight games, scoring a winning goal in the 84th minute in Durban and victory at home.
“It is a difficult team, but at the same time we are so happy to start our time in the Nedbank Cup. We have nice memories of this competition in the last two seasons as everyone knows.
“We have a very difficult task ahead of us to defend the title one more time, but at the same time it is something nice to have an opportunity to defend titles every season.
“We are going to try our best and understand that it is a cup game, everything will be played in one day, and we need to be at our best as usual.”
Pirates are on track for another successful season, having already defended their MTN8 title earlier this year, marking their third consecutive victory in the competition.
Their last Nedbank Cup defeat dates back to the round of 16 in the 2021/22 season, when they were eliminated by Marumo Gallants on penalties.
