Jose Riveiro: Clubs like Pirates must be in the final every season

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro says clubs of Orlando Pirates’ calibre must be in the cup finals every season. Therefore, it will be disappointing if the Sea Robbers fail to reach the Nedbank Cup final and clinch it.

Pirates have already won the MTN8 trophy this season. They are now eyeing to complete a double as it is impossible to catch runaway leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in the DStv Premiership.

The Soweto giants host Motsepe Foundation Championship side Venda Football Academy in the round of 16 on Saturday, 11 March 2023.

WINNING TROPHIES

“It’s very important for the club and for us as a group to finish as high as possible to have a possibility to be in the final. I think clubs like Pirates must be in the final every season, then you go to the final, you know the story,” said Jose Riveiro.

“It will be motivation for us to do our best in this competition. The reality is that we are far from that possibility, but we want to fight and have a chance to be in the final. We have experience, and we know the meaning of being in the final.

“We want to replicate the same [MTN8 final], we want to have the same experience together, but it’s something that will come if we do our job next against Venda, which is going to be difficult.

THE LEAGUE

Riveiro also stated that the most important thing is the league. While firmly in Sundowns’ grip, the Spaniard said they would also be targeting to finish strong.

“We have a lot to play for till the end [of the season]. The league, for me, is always the most important. It’s where you show and have the opportunity to be the best. We want to be that best group at the end of the season, and it’s not a discussion,” he added.

The Bucs last won the Nedbank Cup back in 2013/14 season, defeating now-defunct Bidvest Wits 3-1.

Kickoff at Orlando Stadium is at 8pm.

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