A match between Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United will be a repeat of the Nedbank Cup final, and coach Jose Riveiro is ready for the “uncomfortable” contest.
Pirates will lock horns with Sekhukhune in the MTN8 quarter-final clash at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Buccaneers are the defending champions of the Wafa Wafa cup competition and will start their title defence against a Sekhukhune side that has been impressive under the leadership of coach Brandon Truter.
Babina Noko are one of few teams that made Riveiro’s debut season in the Premier Soccer League difficult.
“The expectations are high as we always want to replicate a good performance and [we] understand the difficulty of the match since it’s a knockout game,” Jose Riveiro said.
“So, that always influences the behavior of the teams because they know that the stakes will be high, and one will be eliminated.
“Another difficulty is from the opponents, they are a well-organised team and [are] patient in their approach.
“They can manage different ways of playing during the game and it is very uncomfortable to play against them. We know it’s not going to be an exception, but we are prepared.”
On the other hand, Truter said his side is revved up and can cause an upset against the Sea Robbers should they get it right.
“Playing Pirates is a motivation. It’s a cup competition, so if we can get it right on the night, we can surprise them,” said Truter.
“We learnt from our mistakes in the final [Nedbank Cup, where they lost 2-1]. I think we have grown from it and we are a better team from what they have faced in the final.”
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