Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro speaking to the media ahead of facing Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup. Itumeleng English Independent Newspapers
Soweto giants Orlando Pirates are gearing up for a crucial clash against Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup's Last 32, set to unfold at the King Zwelithini Stadium this Sunday.
As the defending champions, the Buccaneers have set their sights on making history by becoming the first PSL side to win the Nedbank Cup three times consecutively, a feat they have achieved only once in the competition's history during the early 1970s.
The Natal Rich Boys go into this match desperate for redemption after a challenging run in the Betway Premiership, where they have failed to find a winning touch in their last three outings.
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— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) January 24, 2025
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Orlando Pirates has reached an agreement for the loan transfer of Angolan international Gilberto to Petro de Luanda for the remainder of the season.
The move sees Gilberto return to his hometown club, pending the successful… pic.twitter.com/hv4S1tpWSq
Recent results, including a 2-1 defeat to Cape Town City, have left them aiming to shift their fortunes in this knockout competition.
Despite their struggles, Richards Bay are determined to make an impact in this year’s tournament, aspiring to capture their first major trophy.
The KwaZulu-Natal-based club will not have to seek too far back to the last time they had cup success against Pirates having eliminated them in Carling Knockout Cup two years ago.
However, their most notable performance in this particular cup came in 2021, when they reached the quarter-finals, but the challenge ahead looms large as they face a Pirates team in unwavering tournament form.
On the other hand, The Sea Robbers enter this match with a bounce in their step, having recently clinched a 2-1 victory over continental rivals Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League.
his marks their second consecutive win and places them in a strong position as they look to continue their cup success.
However, logistical issues have plagued their week with a postponed league match against Royal AM, creating additional challenges for the squad.
Get ready for a thrilling face-off as Richards Bay FC takes on Orlando Pirates! ⚽️
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Pirates coach Jose Riveiro acknowledges the tough task at hand but remains optimistic about creating more memorable moments in the cup.
“Richards Bay are a difficult team, but at the same time, we are happy to start our time in the Nedbank Cup. We have nice memories of this competition in the last two seasons. We’re going to try our best to defend it,” he stated during a media briefing in Johannesburg.
In terms of squad news, the Buccaneers will be without the services of suspended defender Nkosinathi Sibisi, while they face further challenges from injuries affecting key players such as Olisa Ndah, Zakhele Lepasa, and Thabiso Monyane.
Conversely, Richards Bay boasts a clean bill of health, providing them with a strategic edge as they prepare for battle.
Highlighting the individual talents that will be on display, Yanela Mbuthuma, the top scorer for Richards Bay, is keen to lead his team’s charge while Relebohile Mofokeng, currently in formidable form for the Pirates, could prove to be the difference-maker as he looks to continue his scoring streak.
As Sunday’s clash approaches, the stage is set for what promises to be an exhilarating encounter, with both teams eyeing not just victory, but a pivotal step towards lifting the coveted Nedbank Cup.