Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has conceded that they are one of the favourites to win the inaugural Carling Knockout Cup because of the magnitude of the club.
Pirates will be hosting strugglers Cape Town Spurs in the newly launched knockout competition at the Orlando Stadium on Friday night. Kick-off is at 7:30 pm.
The Buccaneers are amongst the favorites to lift the exciting tournament, having won three domestic cup competitions in a space of 11 months [Nedbank Cup and two MTN8 trophies].
During a press briefing at the PSL headquarters in Parktown on Wednesday, Pirates coach Jose Riveiro said his side will always be in pole position to challenge for any competition up for grabs solely because they are a big club.
“I don’t think our success is based on our past success [winning three cup finals] but mainly because we are Orlando Pirates,” Riveiro told the media.
“So, every time we go into every competition, we must accept that we will always be one of the favourites to win the tournament – which is a normal thing. It is always nice being in a team that gives you the possibility to challenge for every trophy.
“Winning the final [MTN8] early in the season was a boost for us in terms of confidence and it helps us to understand ourselves and responsibilities better – that when a game or competition requires us to be at our best and can do it successfully… which ultimately makes us a difficult team to play against.
“So, for us being competitive in this competition is something that is expected from us, not because of our recent achievements but because of the club that we are representing.”
The Sea Robbers go up against a wounded Spurs side that has not registered a single win since gaining promotion to the DStv Premiership this season.
Spurs will be desperate to record their first win of the season and will be out to cause an upset and spoil the MTN8 party in Orlando.
