Jose Riveiro Determined To End Sundowns’ Extraordinary Record
Orlando Pirates’ head coach, Jose Riveiro, is gearing up for a monumental showdown against Mamelodi Sundowns. He’s determined to end Sundowns’ “extraordinary record” and secure a crucial victory.
Riveiro acknowledges the formidable challenge that awaits his team, highlighting Sundowns as a well-coached club under the leadership of Rulani Mokwena.
Clash of Titans: Pirates vs. Sundowns
On Wednesday, the giants of South African football will collide at Orlando Stadium (kick-off at 19:30).
This encounter has a history of delivering high-scoring drama, and fans can expect nothing less this time.
Pirates enter the match trailing Sundowns by 11 points, albeit with two games in hand. Winning this clash is imperative for Pirates to stay in the title race.
The task at hand is monumental, considering that no team has managed to defeat Mokwena’s squad in the league since September of the previous year.
Riveiro remains optimistic, emphasizing the exceptional opportunity this match presents.
He views it as a chance to collect three crucial points.
He underlines the team’s motivation, fueled by their relentless pursuit of greatness.
Formidable Sundowns
Sundowns have established themselves as a dominant force at Orlando Stadium.
With the exception of Chippa United last season, no side has left the iconic venue with points.
In their last four league visits, Sundowns emerged victorious.
The last time Pirates tasted victory against Sundowns at Orlando Stadium was in January 2020 when Gabadinho Mhango netted the decisive goal. This was during Pitso Mosimane’s tenure as Sundowns’ head coach.
While Sundowns have had the upper hand in league matches, Pirates managed to overcome them in the MTN8 semi-final last season.
They achieved a resounding 3-0 victory in the second leg, leading to changes in Sundowns’ technical team, with Mokwena taking the helm.
Sundowns, six-time league champions, have started the current season with a bang, winning all six matches, scoring 13 goals, and conceding just two.
Pirates, on the other hand, find themselves in the seventh position with seven points from four matches, having played two games less.
Sundowns could make history by matching Kaizer Chiefs’ unbeaten record of 31 games in the PSL, established in 2005 under the late Ted Dumitru and Ernst Middendorp.
A defeat against Pirates would reset the clock, making this clash all the more intriguing.