Orlando Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro, is wary of Nedbank Cup opponents Dondol Stars after the ABC Motsepe League side knocked two DStv Premiership sides out of the competition.
‘Chaba re fete’ came from a 1-0 down to beat Supersport United in the round of 32 before beating Amazulu on penalties. The Buccaneers beat All Stars and Venda Football Academy.
“It’s going to be a difficult task for multiple reasons, but it’s even going to be more difficult for them” Riveiro told reporters after the draw. “We need to remember the things that we learnt from the previous games of the Nedbank Cup against lower division teams.
“We know that it’s going to be tough especially because it’s a knockout and many things can happen. We are facing players who want to improve, get a boost in their careers and showcase themselves because this is fantastic opportunity.
“That makes things very complicated because the level of preparation and motivation is important and we need to understand. But we are Orlando Pirates and we need to perform in a certain level of standard and this is not an exception and we will be prepared.”
The Buccaneers started the season with a win, draw and defeat in the first three matches. But since the since the resumption of the season after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the team has been getting consistent results.
“If we achieve the level we want to achieve in every game then the task [of playing against Orlando Pirates] becomes difficult not only for Dondol Star but for every opponent,” said Riveiro.
“That is the objective. But I still to need to know more the opponent, I had an opportunity to watch their match against Supersport United and some pieces of the game they played against Amazulu.
“There are always things that we need to modify according to the profile of the opponent. This is not going to be an exception. [Dondol Stars] is a team that is well prepared with a good coach and with talented players.”
By Zola Doda