Riveiro hints at fielding ‘strong’ team against Crystal Lake in Nedbank Cup

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has hinted at fielding a ‘strong’ team when they face Crystal Lake FC in the Nedbank Cup Last 32.

Pirates will start their title defence on Saturday, 24 February as they travel to Mpumalanga. Kickoff at Mbombela Stadium is at 15:00.

The Bucs head into the match as favourites. Their opponents are participating in the South African third tier league; the ABC Motsepe League.

Riveiro says he’s not taking Crystal Lake lightly, therefore, he’s going to play a strong team to get the desired result.

JOSE RIVEIRO NOT TAKING CRYSTAL LAKE FC CLASH LIGHTLY

“We’re going to take it seriously. We’re going to play one team with full guarantee to get a good result and to show respect to the competition and the opponents as well,” said Riveiro.

“About the opponents, like I said before, the information that we have is extremely little, short. We have to be prepared for many different scenarios.

“It’s totally different from what we faced one week ago [against Mamelodi Sundowns], when you are playing one team that you know very well, their structure and the way of playing.”

Riveiro further stated that their aim is to take the game to Crystal Lake. The Sea Robbers have to ensure that they dominate the match to get the desired result.

“This week is a challenge for us. We have to try put the game in a rhythm where it’s going to be difficult for the opponents to cope.

“That’s the intention, more than thinking what kind of display they can develop against us. With that respect that’s why we’re going there with the best of our capacity to make sure we can be a better team this week than one week before,” he added.

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