sportskeeda
Jose Riveiro, the coach of Orlando Pirates, has shared his eagerness for a shift in Marumo Gallants’ playing approach as they prepare to face off in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals at Orlando Stadium on Sunday (15:00), which will be their third meeting this season.
The two sides previously clashed in the Betway Premiership, where the title-chasing Sea Robbers delivered a staggering 8-1 defeat to the Bloemfontein-based team last December.
In an unexpected twist, Bahlabane Ba Ntwa dashed the Buccaneers’ title hopes with an impressive 2-0 victory in the City of Roses earlier last month, marking Abdeslam Ouaddou’s first match as head coach of the relegation-battling team during the Spanish manager’s suspension.
“We recently competed against Marumo, and it didn’t go our way – it was a tough match in Bloemfontein. Since that time, we’ve been analyzing and visualizing their play, aiming to comprehend the kind of football team they intend to be,” Riveiro remarked.
“When we last met, it was just days after their new coach took over, and there was uncertainty regarding what team to expect and how our game would play out there.
“Consequently, learning about and understanding our opponents is a weekly occurrence, not limited to the matches we play against them [Gallants]. We have a good understanding of them, just as they have of us.”
The 49-year-old coach continued: “In the current football environment, there’s little that remains hidden regarding what teams can achieve; it ultimately depends on how you approach the game on the day. We must always be ready for various scenarios.”
However, Riveiro believes that outcomes from previous matches will not greatly affect the upcoming encounter, stressing that knockout competitions present a unique dynamic that requires adaptations from both teams.
“Sunday represents a different narrative; it’s a knockout match with significant implications. There are only two outcomes possible; prior matches had three potential results, influencing each team’s tactical mindset,” added the Buccaneers’ coach.
“This is a new chapter; it’s a chance to progress to the final. Thus, both teams must view the match from a fresh perspective, and we possess considerable experience in this kind of competition together.
“Once again, we will aim to recover as effectively as possible in a short period to prepare thoroughly for the match and do everything in our power to reach another final – no matter the challenges.”
Pirates have claimed victory in this competition for the past two seasons and have not faced defeat since falling to the same Gallants on penalties in the 2021/22 season.
