Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is full of praise for SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt and expects a gruelling encounter when the two sides meet in their first DStv Premiership meeting on Sunday at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Pirates are visiting SuperSport with the hope of recording their first back-to-back win of the season as they are coming from an impressive away win 1-0 against Royal AM.
Prior to that, they were coming from a 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch and lost 1-0 to Chippa United at home, which overshadowed their first win against Swallows in their season opener.
Matsatsantsa have not started their season well, as they are yet to win after three games. They have succumbed to two defeats at the hands of AmaZulu and TS Galaxy.
Hunt’s charges drew against Chippa United in their opening match. They have conceded five goals and scored only two.
The results have already created many questions about Hunt, who is coming from relatively unsuccessful stints with Kaizer Chiefs and Chippa United.
Nonetheless, Riveiro has hailed the under-pressure Hunt and expects a very physical and tough encounter.
“We know what’s coming. They have a good coach with a huge reputation. They have a certain identity of play, and it is a well-coached team.
“It’s going to be a very difficult and physical game. We expect them to change their approach against us, and we will make a few changes,” Riveiro told the media.
The clash will also see Thulani Hlatshwayo come up against his former club as he was captain of Pirates for one season before losing his spot.
That also contributed to him losing his national team place, and this will be an opportunity for him to prove his doubters wrong.
The Spaniard, Riveiro, will be hoping his forwards bring their scoring boots this time after blowing scoring chances last Sunday.
