By Michael Madyira
Orlando Pirates coach José Riveiro has admitted to having limited information about their opponents, Crystal Lake, ahead of Saturday’s Nedbank Cup Round of 32 clash.
The Buccaneers visit the little-known third-tier outfit at Mbombela Stadium — opponents they only learnt about earlier this week following a Safa arbitration ruling.
Crystal Lake emerged as victors after a protest by Middleburg United, who contested the preliminary round result between the two sides which Crystal Lake won 1-0.
Based on last season’s struggles against lower division sides before romping to the champions’ podium, Riveiro is not taking these opponents lightly.
“The information we have about them is very limited,” he told the media.
“We must be prepared for different scenarios. It is different to what we faced a week ago against Mamelodi Sundowns.”
He said the team will prepare as they always do.
“We are going to take the game very seriously because we had an experience last season playing against lower-league opponents like Dondol Stars, All Stars and Venda Football Club. It was not an easy journey for us.”
The Soweto giants’ tactician is not taking Crystal Lake’s minnows status seriously and wants his charges to summon the same energy they displayed in their 1-1 draw with Sundowns last weekend.
“We know clearly what the objective is for us and we are going to fight the same way we did against Sundowns,” Riveiro said.
“If we are relaxed, we will crash out. History is full of these types of games and when you think everything is done before the game starts, it is the most difficult situation in sport.”
Riveiro’s remarks are an indication that he might field a full-strength squad after missing the likes of Zakhele Lepasa, Thabang Monare and Richard Ofori last weekend.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates coach José Riveiro on the touchline against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Image source: Orlando Pirates
