Deprecated: str_replace(): Passing null to parameter #3 ($subject) of type array|string is deprecated in /home/zbyiujsu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/jnews-social-share/class.jnews-initial-counter.php on line 40
Deprecated: str_replace(): Passing null to parameter #3 ($subject) of type array|string is deprecated in /home/zbyiujsu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/jnews-social-share/class.jnews-initial-counter.php on line 40
Deprecated: str_replace(): Passing null to parameter #3 ($subject) of type array|string is deprecated in /home/zbyiujsu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/jnews-social-share/class.jnews-initial-counter.php on line 40
Deprecated: str_replace(): Passing null to parameter #3 ($subject) of type array|string is deprecated in /home/zbyiujsu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/jnews-social-share/class.jnews-initial-counter.php on line 40
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is determined to see his side to be last man standing yet again in the MTN8, saying “we have good memories in this tournament last season”.
Pirates lock horns against a tricky, dangerous and energetic Stellenbosch side in the MTN8 semi final first leg at Athlone Stadium on Sunday (15:00).
But Stellies had already shocked Pirates in the first league game of the season at Danie Craven Stadium, winning 1-0 but the Soweto giants were the better side on the day, but were caught flat on the quick counter attack.
Coach Riveiro, who helped Pirates win this cup last season, says they will have to control the game from the onset to have a chance to build the advantage going into the second leg at Orlando Stadium on 24 September.
“It is a difficult team to contain, really aggressive especially in the beginning of the games,” said Riveiro.
“Understand when I say aggressive, I meant to say they are tough when going to the duels, there are so many things we need to control, that we need to do it right.
“Our intention is again to be the team that no matter who is in front (we have to beat) even though there are probably little things we need to do better than in the previous game.”
While Stellies might have won the first game, it was clear, just like many teams, that Pirates were still finding their feet.
Zakhele Lepasa has found his own feet, scoring nine goals ever since then – three in the league, three in the MTN8 when Pirates crushed Sekhukhune United 5-0 in the quarter finals and also three in the CAF Champions League preliminary stages.
Patrick Maswanganyi has followed suit in finding his feet from Pirates in that number 10 role, meaning Stellies’ game plan overall will be tested.
When it was put to Riveiro how he will ensure he keeps control of Lepasa not going off rails since he is on form and the suggestion that he is still a “youngster”, he cheekily replied.
“Lepasa is 26,” Riveiro said, leaving the media in the background laughing.
– Advertisement –
“He’s mature boy and you know I don’t like to focus too much on the individuals, but it is showing that he is in a different stage of his career, maturing is playing a big part in the games that he is playing.
“The same way I always try to keep my feet on the ground, I think it is pretty much the same with him (Lepasa).”
Riveiro, who doesn’t know the taste of the loss in the Wafa Wafa Cup, added “But we are focused on this tournament because we have good memories together and we want to repeat it again and be good in the semi final. To make it possible (to reach the final) we have to play very well against Stellenbosch on Sunday.”