Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro admits they are under pressure to deliver silverware and is eyeing the MTN8 Cup.
This year marks 85 years of existence for Orlando Pirates and Riveiro has previously admitted it would be fitting to cap the season off with a trophy.
They start their MTN8 campaign this weekend against Royal AM, and Riveiro will know it is the easiest trophy to win in the PSL.
The Buccaneers have a rich history of winning trophies, and Riveiro wants to continue in that vein.
The 2020/21 MTN8 winners face a tricky Royal AM side in the quarter-finals.
Orlando Pirates are eyeing a double over the KZN outfit after edging them one nil a week ago in a league tie.
“Pressure is part of our game, and it is part of this sport. When you are at a club like Orlando Pirates, you know what it means and what people are waiting for,” Riveiro told the media.
“We are going to do our best one more time in this new tournament. It’s a new opportunity to increase club history. The responsibility is there. The pressure is there.”
“It is very important to continue with positive results though it’s a different competition, but we are the same team. Victories in difficult circumstances will help build confidence and trust.”
The Spaniard, who joined Orlando Pirates during the off-season, further revealed that he doesn’t expect major changes from both sides after a busy schedule with matches coming thick and fast. He, however, expects a different game approach since it’s a knockout competition.
“I don’t expect big changes from both teams, but it’s a different scenario. It is about four games to have a chance to win the trophy. We were going to try to make the first start [on Saturday].”
“I’m not thinking about the semi-finals; first, we have to do the job [against Royal AM]. It’s a different competition, a knockout game. There are different ways how you approach these games,” he added.
The second MTN8 quarter-final kicks off at Chatsworth at 6pm.
