Jose Riveiro on facing Sundowns: ‘It’s going to be an open game’

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has revealed why he believes their clash against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, 04 February in the DStv Premiership will be an open game.

Both teams are enjoying a good run at the moment. Pirates are on a three-match winning streak, whilst Sundowns have won 13 games in a row, which is a PSL record.

The two sides will be meeting for the fourth time this season. Previous encounters ended nil all draw in the MTN8 semi final first leg, then the Soweto giants thrashed Masandawana 3-0 in the second leg. Sundowns later claimed a 2-0 victory in the league.

WHY RIVEIRO BELIEVES SUNDOWNS CLASH WILL BE AN OPEN GAME

“I think it’s going to be an open game, both teams are in good moment in terms of results. You don’t win 13 games in a row if you not doing things well and you don’t win three games in a row if you not doing things well,” Riveiro told the media.

“It’s going to be a good test for both [teams]. One of us is not going to be happy at the end of the game because both teams are not playing for draws.

“The two teams are full of good quality and talent, well prepared and well coached. Those type of games help to improve and to see if you going in the right direction.”

HOW PIRATES ARE PREPARING FOR THE SUNDOWNS ENCOUNTER

Riveiro further stated how they are preparing for the game in an aim of emerging victorious in their back yard.

“We playing home, it’s mandatory for us to prepare the game with a proper mentality understanding that we going to meet a good opponent, but looking for improvement after the last game we played.

“The level of the challenge is going to be very good, very high. When you playing a good team you don’t only look for result which is mandatory, also the possibility to improve,” Riveiro added.

Heading into the encounter, both teams are eyeing a victory to stretch their winning momentum. A draw will see both teams losing their respective records.

Kickoff is at 3:30pm.

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