Jose Riveiro is expecting an “interesting game for the fans” when Orlando Pirates come face-to-face with rivals Kaizer Chiefs in this weekend’s Soweto Derby.
The last time these two sides faced each other, the Buccaneers edged the tie 3-2, after coming from a goal down to Ashley Du Preez. Monnapule Saleng managed to get his side back into the tie, and despite Du Preez netting again, Thabiso Lebitso leveled the scores, before Saleng fired home a second-half winner.
Bucs, meanwhile, head into this tie in second place on the Betway Premiership standings, while Chiefs are in fifth place, just six points adrift.
Chiefs are certainly improving under new coach Nasreddine Nabi and won their last two games ahead of this tie, beating Sekhukhune United 2-0 in the league and ABC Motsepe side Free Agents 4-0 in a Nedbank Cup last 32 encounter.
But Pirates have been competing and winning in Africa, where they secured their place in the knockout rounds of the CAF Champions League as group winners.
In the lead up to the game, Riveiro explained his thoughts, in the Citizen: “The derby is unique, you can’t compare it to any other game. Yes, we’ve faced hostile situations in Africa, but this game is special. The Soweto derby, whether we’re playing for a league, a cup or a sandwich, it’s going to be special against Kaizer Chiefs.
“I think Chiefs are playing really well this season. I don’t think that the log is a reflection of Chiefs performances in the league so far, if I am honest.
“They are creating a lot of chances in each and every game and they are playing attractive football and that’s the same thing we are trying to do at Pirates.
“If we are both, let’s say loyal to the football we were playing in the previous games, I think it’s going to be an interesting game for the fans.”
Pirates have won their last three games against Chiefs, with Riveiro adding: “The history of the derby in every part of the world has shown that there is no real favourite.
“Maybe favourite on paper, but when it comes to the field, we believe the chances are going to be 50/50.”