Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has pointed out where Stellenbosch FC could pose threats for his men when the two sides meet this weekend.
‘The Buccaneers’ will host Stellies at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Sunday, 1 December, at 3:30 PM in a crucial Betway Premiership clash.
‘Ezimnyama Ngenkani’ will be aiming to maintain their perfect start to the 2024/25 season, while Cape Winelands side seek a return to winning form after a recent slump. Stellenbosch have lost two and drawn one of their last three matches in all competitions.
The two teams last met in the MTN8 final in October at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, with Pirates emerging victorious.
Riveiro acknowledged the difficulties that they always come across when they encounter Steve Barker’s troops. He is well aware of the challenges that Stellies could pose, particularly with their quick transitions and their potency in set-piece situations.
WHAT ORLANDO PIRATES COACH RIVEIRO IS WARY OF AHEAD OF THE CRUCIAL CLASH AGAINST STELLENBOSCH
“They’re always giving us problems,” said Riveiro. “The most recent times, we were playing them in Orlando. After 70 minutes, we were leading 2-0, but we lost the game 3-2.
“That speaks well about the capacity of the opponents we are going to face. Lots of credit to them for the results they are getting and for the football they are playing.
“And if we speak about threats, there’s many. It’s a team that has capacity to dominate opponents with possession, they can defend results and punish you in quick transitions.
“They’re a team with the capacity to create you problems with set-pieces. So, as I said, they’re not competing in the maximum level [CAF Confederation Cup and playing cup finals] by chance.
“They are a well-structured team with talent and the capacity to give you a difficult day.”
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