Orlando Pirates’ opponents in the quarterfinals of the Carling knockout competition has emerged as the side target a successful win in a cup competition.
The Soweto giants have been enjoying success in the cup competitions in the past 12 months and they will be hoping to land a second trophy of the season after beating Mamelodi Sundowns in the final of the MTN8 a few weeks ago.
Orlando Pirates’ next Carling Knockout opponent revealed
The Buccaneers, who defeated Cape Town Spurs 2-0 in the first round, have been drawn against Richards Bay FC in the Carling Knockout quarter-final.
After a strong showing in the second-half, coupled with efforts from Thapelo Xoki and Kermit Erasmus, the Buccaneers advanced to the next stage of the Carling Knockout Cup.
The Buccaneers, having successfully defended their season-opening MTN8 trophy, are the only ‘big’ team left in the competition that produced shock results in the first round.
Orlando Pirates last won the competition in 2011 and it remains their solitary win till date.
After edging Cape Town City in composed fashion last week, Pirates are favourites to take out Kaitano Tembo’s team although the Durban Rich Boys will be somewhat confident they can pull the rug from under the favourites’ feet.
This after they accounted for the scalp of Moroka Swallows – another Soweto side – on Sunday afternoon.
According to the draw, Durban will host the match between Richards Bay and Pirates, while Polokwane is the venue of the match between neighbours – AmaZulu and Golden Arrows.
In the other games, Sekhukhune United host TS Galaxy at the Peter Mokaba Stadium while Polokwane City will be at home in the old Peter Mokaba Stadium against Stellenbosch FC.
The dates for the quarter-final matches will be announced at a later date.
Having done well in cup competitions since taking over at Orlando Pirates last season, coach Jose Riveiro wants to see the same rhythm in DStv Premiership matches.
The Spaniard guided the Buccaneers to three cup finals and won all. He is yet to lose a knockout match in the domestic competition in the 14 games he has been in charge of.
☠️ 🍻 𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 🍻
🏆 #CarlingKnockout Quarterfinal
⚽️ @RichardsBayFC_ vs @orlandopirates
📆 TBA
🕕 TBA⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/6dalJtM9sh
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) October 23, 2023
Riveiro begs for consistency
Having seen his side do well in recent cup competitions, Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro wants to see the same rhythm in DStv Premiership matches.
Pirates defeated Cape Town Spurs 2-0 to reach the final 8 of the Carling Knockout competition and will be returning to league action on Tuesday against AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium before hosting Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium on Friday.
“The league is the most important competition, it goes without saying,” Riveiro said to the media.
“Thirty games, 15 away and home against everyone in every circumstance, hot and raining. So, it’s the most important competition and we really want to find our rhythm there.
“Now we have played our fourth competition in two months and a half. We are trying to keep the level in all competitions we play. It is difficult mentally to face these kinds of competitions in a very short space of time.”
Riveiro insisted his side’s focus is firmly on Usuthu as they look to climb the table.
“Trust me, our intentions are at the same level in the league games and we are now 100% focused on AmaZulu on Tuesday.
“It doesn’t mean the other tournaments are not important. It is an opportunity to improve the history of the club. Our focus now is on AmaZulu, Polokwane City and Cape Town Spurs again because we really want to compete in the league as well.”
The Buccaneers have played five matches in the league and currently find themselves in 14th place on the log table.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 week ago
