Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has accepted the tag of favourites in the Carling Knockout Cup after his side won all domestic cup tournaments since he was appointed last season.
The Buccaneers have been on a winning streak since Riveiro’s appointment at the beginning of last season, retaining the MTN8 Cup after beating Mamelodi Sundowns in the final on Saturday, 3-1 on penalties, after a goalless draw in extra-time.
PIRATES ARE MTN8 CHAMPIONS!
Orlando Pirates beat Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 in a penalty shootout to win the MTN8 final. MTN8FINAL Pirates Sundowns pic.twitter.com/Q4TXCV2Yk1— Scrolla Sport (@ScrollaSport) October 7, 2023
Pirates have been drawn against Cape Town Spurs at home in a Carling Knockout Cup round of 16 clash and the Spanish mentor says he has no problem with the favourites tag, as they are a big team anyway and there’s expectations to win the cup.
“Football is about the last game you played, right now we’re in a good space obviously, I’m not gonna lie, after winning one more trophy, the level of the opposition on Saturday…epic victory for us, it’s gonna be a boost but we have to put our mind in the next one,” Riveiro said at the Carling Knockout Cup launch.
“If you ask me, usually we’re Orlando Pirates, if you guys want to see us as favourites and everybody else, we accept it. It doesn’t change our approach to the games because we always go with the mentality and intention to win the game and in this competition, it’s not an exception. But it’s a knockout game, everyone has the same probability,” he continued.
“We start a new one. It’s about application, concentration, it’s about the one who wants it more, will make it, we want to be that team again,” he added.
Riveiro is confident that his side can carry their momentum into the Carling Knockout Cup, as they look to add another trophy to their cabinet.
