Orlando Pirates must bounce back against Kaizer Chiefs in Soweto derby – Riveiro

Photo Credit – Orlando Pirates Football Club.

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has urged his players to recover from their latest defeat and overcome rivals Kaizer Chiefs when the two sides face off in a crucial Betway Premiership Soweto derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Pirates will head into the battle following their shock 1-0 defeat against Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday. The defeat dented Pirates’ title hopes as Mamelodi Sundowns won their fixture 3-0 against Richard Bays to open up a 12 point gap at the summit.

According to Riveiro, while Pirates will reach another milestone of many wins against Chiefs if they manage to win the top-flight game, his main focus is for the team to bounce back from the Sekhukhune United setback.

“It means nothing at all in that sense [record of most wins in the Soweto],” said Riveiro at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg on Thursday as quoted by FARPost. “I mean, we are looking for a victory because it is a must for us, it is a must for our fans, and it is a must for our club, the same way it is for Kaizer Chiefs. That’s the important thing in a derby. We’re going to celebrate a massive football day one more time.

“Stats are fine, it’s something that we will have a look at, maybe at least I, particularly maybe in 20 to 25 years, hopefully, but right now it means nothing, and the important thing is to get the three points.

“We really need to come back to the winning track after a couple of not-so-good results in different competitions, that’s it.’

While Pirates are lying second with 46 points, Amakhosi are placed ninth with 30 points.