sportskeeda
Jose Riveiro, head coach of Orlando Pirates, has expressed his ambition to achieve a fourth consecutive final victory at the Moses Mabhida Stadium as his team gears up to face Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final this Saturday.
The two towering teams from Soweto will clash at the iconic 2010 World Cup stadium on Saturday [15:30], with Riveiro aiming to maintain his perfect record in cup finals at the venue in Durban.
Pirates have secured the last three MTN8 titles at Moses Mabhida Stadium, including the “Wafa Wafa” Cup earlier this season after defeating Stellenbosch.
Kaizer Chiefs stand in their way for a fourth win, having last lifted the Nedbank Cup trophy at the same Durban venue during the 2012/13 season by overcoming SuperSport United.
“Yes, I want it [to win it], not only because of the venue, but because we aspire to be champions again, just like Chiefs do,” Riveiro remarked in Durban on Thursday.
“It’s going to be a tough match.”
Pirates have a slight psychological advantage, having defeated Chiefs in their last five meetings, including the Nedbank Cup semi-final in the 2022/23 season that went to extra time.
Additionally, Pirates clinched a 2-1 win over Chiefs in their latest league match at FNB Stadium last weekend. If Pirates emerge victorious this Saturday, Riveiro will break Stuart Baxter’s record by achieving six consecutive derby wins in the PSL era.
This derby final will also serve as Riveiro’s last game in charge against Kaizer Chiefs, as he is anticipated to depart at the end of the current season.
“I would love to do it again,” Riveiro stated emphatically. “I want to win. However, this is not just about me or my record, whether it’s five, six, or my penultimate derby. This is a critical match for Orlando Pirates and an important event for our supporters.
“The focus should be on giving our best, but I’m not an emotional person thinking about what’s next; I’m completely concentrated on ensuring my team outshines Chiefs this Saturday.”
