Jose Riveiro: ‘We are going to make things difficult for All Stars’
"I know about the complexity of those games and how skillful the players are in that division."
Jose Riveiro says it will be a big mistake for his troops to take their Nedbank Cup opponents lightly, insisting that the Soweto giants plan to ‘make things difficult’ for All Stars.
The Orlando Pirates head coach, Riveiro is well aware of the danger of playing lower division teams and how tricky they can be.
Riveiro’s men are set to take on Motsepe Foundation Championship side All Stars in the Nedbank Cup round of 32 at Wits Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday (8pm).
The Spanish tactician will be looking to add another title to Buccaneers’ incredible trophy cabinet, having already made a positive start to life at Pirates by winning the MTN8 title.
The 44-year-old admitted that All Stars can cause an upset for the Soweto giants if they take them for granted.
However, Riveiro reckons that they will approach the crunch encounter in a professional manner. The Pirates coach also stated that they will give their opposition the respect they deserve.
JOSE RIVEIRO AWARE OF THE DANGER OF PLAYING LOWER DIVISION TEAMS
“South African football in every stage and league is full of talented players,” he told the media.
“We have played so many friendly games with the National First Division teams this season.
“I know about the complexity of those games and how skillful the players are in that division.
“And they can complicate your life if you are not at your level best.”
JOSE RIVEIRO REVEALS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TOP-FLIGHT AND LOWER DIVISION LEAGUES
The Pirates coach further explained the difference between the Premiership league and the second-tier league.
“The difference between two leagues is the rhythm of the game and the time you have to play or the time you don’t have to play.
“If we propose a game that the opponents is going to have time and space it’s going to be difficult for us,” he divulged.
“But if we play on our level we play in the PSL or in top games, then it’s going to be more complex for the team.
“And we are preparing for the game in way that we are going to make things difficult for our opposition.”
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