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Jose Riveiro talks dilemma he’s facing ahead of Nedbank Cup final

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has spoken on the dilemma he’s facing ahead of their Nedbank Cup final against Sekhukhune United.

A second trophy under the Sparniad mentor is in sight and the Nedbank Cup final comes with Riveiro’s side having been in stellar form lately.

They ended their season on a high note, claiming the CAF Champions League spot after finishing second on the DStv Premiership table.

Last Saturday, they thumped AmaZulu 4-0 in their last league match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

After the match, Riveiro was asked about how delighted he was with the return of Innocent Maela and Thembinkosi Lorch ahead of the final. He admitted he was happy, however, he insisted that this added to a headache he already had in the team selection.

JOSE RIVEIRO ON TEAM SELECTION HEADACHE

“I’m happy to have everyone ready to play,” said Riveiro.

“Obviously, we’re going to be a difficult task for me to decide who’s going to start, who’s going to be part of the 20 as usual as every week.

“Because I have a fantastic squad full of talent like I said thousand times already this season.”

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro on Nedbank cup
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro

However, the Buccaneers will be without the services of Makhehlene Makhaula who seems to be picking up gradually.

Makhaula got his fourth yellow card during the Soweto giants’ match against his former employers Usuthu last week.

Tapelo Xoki will be returning after sitting out against AmaZulu due to a one-match ban he was serving after accumulating four yellow cards. 

WHO’LL LAUGH LAST?

With Ezimnyama Ngenkani having not lost in their previous 12 games in all competitions, they’ll be looking to stretch the unbeaten run by winning the final.

Meanwhile, it’s the first cup final ever for Sekhukhune, who have found stability under Brandon Truter. They will be looking to emulate David in a battle against Goliath.

The match will take place at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium at 6 pm.

RELATED STORY: Riveiro reflects on his first season at Pirates

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