by Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro will be subjected to watch Saturday’s action from the stands and will have to rely on his assistant coach, Mandla Ncikazi to lead their charges when the club lock horns with long time rivals, Kaizer Chiefs in the 172nd instalment of the Soweto Derby.
Kaizer Chiefs host their Soweto counterparts at the FNB Stadium, kick off is at 3:30pm.
Riveiro was sent packing from the touchline reportedly due to an apparent use of bad language towards officials in Pirates’ Nedbank Cup last 32 clash with All Stars recently.
Riveiro however has remained positive and is looking at putting on a great show for the world.
Speaking on Thursday during a pre-match press conference at the Wanderers Country Club in Illovo, Johannesburg, Riveiro sees this match as an opportunity for local football to market itself worldwide.
“The game will be a fantastic opportunity for us to show our level because this is one of the only games I knew before I started coaching here. The game will be televised in many countries, so we have an opportunity to show how we can organise such a big game.
“It’s also an opportunity to show how seriously we take football here. I hope it’ll be a fair game where the game will be the winner.”
Pirates are currently third on the DTV Premiership League Log, with 31 games from 20 matches, while Chiefs are just three points below, with 28 points and on the 5ths spot, a win for either side will not only ensure 3 points but bragging rights for their hundreds of supporters.