Riveiro sets his sights on the CAFCL.

Having had a fantastic domestic season, where they won the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup titles, also finishing second on the league, Orlando Pirates have every right to dream of bigger fish to fry, like the CAF Champions League.

And that is exactly what Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro, has set his sights on.

Riveiro says he is optimistic that Pirates can go all the way in Africa.

With their rich history in the continent, having managed to reach four finals, with two Champions League, of which they won one, and two CAF Confederations Cup, plus their recent revival, anything is possible.

"What are we going to do in Africa, dream…dream and we have the potential to go all the way, I’m a very optimistic person, I told you guys many times, don’t get me wrong with my face, I’m very optimistic," Riveiro said as quoted by iDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/caf-champions-league/riveiro-makes-bold-cafcl-statement-citing-sundowns/

"So when I start a tournament, I’m going with the intention to go all the way. Then let’s see, we’re going to find difficult trips, difficult opponents, difficult decisions from the referees, it’s a difficult competition, it is."

Riveiro says if Sundowns can do as well as they did in the CAFCL last season, so can Pirates.

ALSO READ: David De Gea on the FA Cup final: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/we-will-try-absolutely-everything-to.html

"But Sundowns did a fantastic job this season, they showed it’s possible for South African teams to compete until the last stages, so why not? We go little by little, we all start from zero again in every competition and we will face everyone with the intention to compete."

Bucs are also expected to put on a real fight for the DStv Premiership title next season, having shown great promise in the previous campaign, and finally end Sundowns dominance in the domestic football scene.

Pirates expected to raid the transfer market, with the CAFCL in mind.

While continuity will be a priority for Orlando Pirates head coach, Jose RiveiroJose Riveiro, to build on the success of the 2022/23 season, he says they will also be active in the transfer market to strengthen the squad.

Pirates showed great improvement under Riveiro, by playing with a clear identity, with a lot of tactical discipline which saw them finishing the season with the second best defensive record in the league behind champions, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Having qualified for the CAF Champions League, competition they would love to give a good go, and their ambition to wrestle the Dstv PremiershipDstv Premiership title away from from Sundowns, Pirates will have no choice but to make important additions to their playing personnel.

"It’s a market, players are coming and going every season, I hope not many, it’s important to give continuity to the things we built already," said Riveiro as quoted by iDiski TimesiDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/nedbank-cup/riveiro-on-pirates-off-season-transfer-plans/

"But again probably it’s our obligation, it’s mandatory for us to always have one eye on the market to look at opportunities to improve the squad, the coaching staff, everything because we need to do it, we want to compete and we have to move forward.

ALSO READ: If happiness was a football club, that club would be Orlando Pirates.

http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/happiness-lives-at-orlando-pirates.html

"We can’t think now everything is alright, Riveiro this and the players [are] that, no, we have to be critical [on ourselves], because there are reasons to do that and look for opportunities to make us better as a team."

Pirates did make some interesting signings in the 2022/23 seasons, the three most notable ones being the experienced duo of Kermit Erasmus, former Amazulu midfield hard man, Makhehlene Makhaula, and national team goalkeeper, Melusi Buthelezi.

It will be in offensive positions where Bucs might look to bolster their squad, having relied heavily on Monnapule Saleng in the season that's just ended. 

Happiness lives at Orlando Pirates.

If happiness was a football club, that club would be Orlando Pirates.

The Buccaneers completed their successful 2022/23 season by lifting the Nedbank Cup after beating Sekhukhune United 2-1.

Having won the MTN8 earlier in the season, Pirates also finished second on the log, earning themselves a place in the CAF Champions League.

Jose Riveiro, who is in his first season with Bucs, and also in the running for coach of the season, should be commended for the brilliant work he has done with the club.

To achieve what he achieved in his debut season is no small feat.

It is in the way he went about winning the double and qualifying for the CAFCL that Riveiro has been impressive.

Amabhakaniya play attractive, attacking football that maximizes the strength of their players.

Defensively, they are solid, which speaks volumes about Riveiro's tactical acumen. To achieve the kind of balance between offensive and defensive play he has been able to achieve is not an easy thing to do. But the Spaniard has done it with aplomb.

It is his players that Riveiro is proud of, whom he says they did everything, and everything they did!

ALSO READ: Haaland on his EPL debut season: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/first-season-in-epl-went-beyond.html

"My players did everything, it’s not easy to play in an exciting day like today,” said Riveiro as quoted by iDiski Times.

"We are learning, we are getting better. We want to play more finals, so this is going to be a good learning process for us.

"I’m extremely happy with the victory, as you can imagine, for everybody, for the fans, for the people in the club, family, friends."

With the kind of performances they displayed this season, one can boldly say that Pirates will be the team to beat next season.

If Riveiro, once called a 'plumber', can achieve what he achieved in his first season, more can be expected from him, a league title maybe? 

Truter showers Riveiro with praises before Nedbank Cup final showdown.

                 Image: iDiskiTv

Brandon Truter knows how to talk a good game before a big game.

The Sekhukhune United coach has showered his Orlando Pirates counterpart, Jose Riveiro with sweet praises ahead of the two sides Nedbank Cup final clash on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

If anything, Riveiro should be blushing from Truter's praises.

Nonetheless, none of what Truter says about the Spanish tactician is lie.

Orlando Pirates play some attractive attacking football, and slowly but surely, one can see the identity that Riveiro is instilling in the team.

A second place finish, which takes Pirates to the CAF Champions League, an MTN8 trophy in the bag, and a Nedbank Cup final, which could mean another trophy loading, means Riveiro deserves all the praises he can get, and Truter is not stingy with them.

"Jose has done fantastically well this season," he said as quoted by iDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/nedbank-cup/riveiro-improves-sa-football-truter/

"In terms of the strides that he made at the club, at Pirates, creating an identity as well.

"This is the type of coaches we should be attracting to the PSL, in terms of adding value to the product, in terms of helping our development in South Africa as a country where football is going.

"I think Pirates at this stage has a clear identity of attractive, attacking football and that’s how you want football to be played in the end of the day.

"That identity is clear, also with the striker’s coach and coach Mandla [Ncikazi] as well."

ALSO READ: Mailula thought they were going to extra-time against Wydad:http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/i-thought-are-we-going-to-extra-time.html

Perhaps, one of the biggest truths in Truter's praise of Riveiro, is the fact that Orlando Pirates didn't bring one of the 'Plumbers' from overseas to coach the club, but a quality coach.

"I think they’ve bridged some gaps there on foreign coaches coming into the country as well, it’s not just adding numbers, but adding quality to the league."

Brakkies, as Truter is also known, deserves sweet praises of his own.

He managed to lift Sekhukhune from the relegation zone into a 7th place finish in the DStv Premiership.

With Pirates having finished second, therefore qualifying for the CAFCL, It means Sekhukhune, by virtue of reaching the Nedbank Cup final, have qualified for the CAF Confederations Cup. 

He's such a great talent - Erasmus on Ratomo.

Orlando Pirates youngster, Relebohile Ratomo, is one of the shining lights in South African football, alongside the likes of Mduduzi Shabalala of Kaizer Chiefs, and Siyabonga Mabena of Mamelodi Sundowns.

While Shabalala was handed his Chiefs senior debut a bit earlier, Ratomo had to wait longer for his chance.

But when it came, he grabbed it with both hands.

Ratomo made his DStv Premiership debut for Pirates in their draw against Royal AM, but it was in their final game of the season, a 4-0 win over AmaZulu where the 18-year-old formally introduced himself to Bucs fans by scoring a goal.

Pirates forward, Kermit Erasmus, revealed to iDiski Times what he told the Ratomo to calm his nerves.

“You know when he came in he was sitting next to me in the changing room and he looked a little bit nervous,” Erasmus told iDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/dstv-premiership/erasmus-reveals-his-advice-to-bucs-talent/

“And all I told him was to never forget that he’s got the ability to play as long as he was willing to make the hard yards for the team, the ability will come out on its own. It’s not to be fearful of the occasion, just play with freedom.

“It’s easier said than done but, you know, I think when you hear from somebody who’s been part of the team or been in the game, it comes across a bit different."

ALSO READ: Roberto De Zerbi on Man City draw: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/we-deserved-result-de-zerbi-on-man-city.html

Erasmus says Ratomo is a great talent who needs to keep his feet on the ground to have a flourishing career.

“You could see in the game, he had so much fun. He’s such a great talent, I just hope that he has a great career and he keeps his feet on the ground.”

With experienced players like Erasmus around him, Ratomo is in good hands. 

Pirates players hooked on winning trophies.

If Miguel Timm's words are anything to go by, Sekhukhune United should brace themselves for war when they clash with Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup on Saturday 27 May at Loftus Versfeld.

According to Timm, Orlando Pirates are addicted to winning trophies after winning the MTN8 title earlier this season.

And when someone is addicted to something, they do whatever it takes to get their fix.

"We are going into this game with a lot of hunger and desire to get that feeling we got when we won the MTN8. I must say it is a very addictive one (winning a cup) and it has become a virus in the locker-room in a good way. We are looking forward to the weekend and hopefully we can lift the trophy," said Timm as quoted by The Citizen. https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/local-soccer/timm-says-lifting-trophies-has-become-an-addiction-at-pirates/

Pirates have had a fairly successful season, having also managed to finish in second position in the DStv Premiership, which gave them passage to next season's CAF Champions League.

Despite the MTN8 trophy, and possibly the Nedbank Cup, Timm says their biggest target was the league title.

It is now history that they fell 16 points from even getting a touch of it, with Mamelodi Sundowns winning it with seven matches to spare.

Nonetheless, Timm believes Pirates have learned enough this season to stage a better assault on the title in the next campaign.

"As much as we are happy with qualifying for the Champions League, one of the targets we set ourselves as a group was to compete for the title. The positives we will take is the solid foundation we have set for the future. We will give it a go next season. I am not saying we are not happy with reaching two Cup finals, but we have the capacity to do more."

Bucs fans not happy with Mokwena's comments after title win.

Orlando Pirates fans are not happy with Mamelodi Sundowns coach, Rulani Mokwena, following his comments after Downs lifted the Dstv Premiership trophy for the sixth time in a row.

Bucs fans feel Mokwena's comments belittled their teams achievements so far this season.

Pirates are in line to finish second on the log, with the Nedbank Cup still up for grabs, having already lifted the MTN8 trophy earlier this season.

What Mokwena said...

"It might not feel like it sometimes, but this is the most important trophy in the country, the most important, it's the championship for ten months - home and away," said Mokwena after the game.

"You can fluke one or two wins, three, maybe four, and then a cup is delivered but you need to be consistent to win a championship."

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/it-was-good-really-good-klopp-on.html?m=1

Bucs fans' reactions...

@Kholisile Majola

I like him as a coach not when he belittles other people for defeating him. I mean he achieved nothing alone, he didn't even start the 30 games as a sole leader.

@Makholwa Madwara

Koketso Dongo Mafereka If thats the case, any other team can fluke the Champions League. So by his line of argument, Champions League is whack because it has lesser games than the league. Yes/no?

@Sther Magaye

He is still bitter that they lost MTN8 semi-final to Pirates and feeling the chest pains for Bucs reaching the Nedbank final. He is already nervous of the talks that if Reveiro finishes second and win the Nedbank cup should be considered the coach of the season. He is now trying to defend himself that he won the biggest cup so he is coach of season. That how I analyse this statement.

@Zandise Makhuluskobho Nkungu

We know it does not feel good to not win everything so he must not act like they didn't want to win the cups they participated in, they wanted them badly, in fact in a cup competition that is where you prove that you are better than your counterpart because you win against that team you progress, you lose you are gone but in the league you can lose both first and second round with one team but beat other weak teams and win it, hence Pitso once said "you don't have to beat Chiefs to win the league, you can lose to them and still go on to win it"

And he also said while in Al Ahly "you don't have to beat Sundowns in the group stages to win CCL, let them take points and beat them in the KO stages because that's where the real CCL starts"  and he did it

@Ntshoakotse J Mokalapa

Zandise Makhuluskobho Nkungu I love Mlungisi and always have his back but he should not belittle those who got half a loaf which he was yearning for too. His team have the depth to can win all trophies on offer but seeing his failure to do that he start to with excuses.

@Prince Lefa

Taking a dig Towards Riveiro, well Rhulani you failed to win those fluke one or two games to clinch those Cups Sir. Enjoy your League titles and let other teams to rejoice also.

Dzvukamanja has won Riveiro's heart.

Terrence Dzvukamanja has risen from the verge of obscurity and turned himself into a regular goalscorer for Orlando Pirates, leaving his coach, Jose Riveiro smitten with his exploits.

Dzvukamanja has scored seven goals in 17 appearances for Pirates across all competitions, with one assist added to his name.

His goal scoring form has seen other forwards like Kermit Erasmus spending more time on the bench.

Riveiro says Dzvukamanja is an exceptional, smart player who has shown that he can score goals.

"Terrence is an experienced player, he proved himself in many teams that he has the capacity to score. It was a difficult beginning of the season for Terrence in terms of minutes and liability also to be selected in the season," said Riveiro as quoted by SABC Sport. https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/orlando-pirates-coach-on-striker-terrence-dzvukamanja-s-purple-patch

"In a team like this with the competition that they have in that position, it's difficult to get the chance. Once he started to get that continuity to complete weeks, to train and be available for selection, he showed that he's an exceptional player.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/ten-hag-sings-garnachos-praises.html?m=1

"He's a very smart player with a capacity to score goals like he showed in the recent games. We are all trying, not only myself to help every individual to perform their best and we would like to see Terrence scoring goals."

We have a small minimal advantage - Riveiro on CAFCL spot race.

After their 1-1 draw against Sekhukhune United on Saturday afternoon, Orlando Pirates now have SuperSport United breathing down their necks in the race for the CAF Champions League spot.

Both teams are on 51 points heading towards match day 30, with Pirates second by virtue of a better goal difference.

Always sober minded in his comments, Orlando Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro says they only have a small advantage over SuperSport in the CAFCL spot race, and they have no choice but to put AmaZulu to the sword in Durban next weekend.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/arthur-zwane-proverbial-sacrificial-lamb.html?m=1

"We need to win. Firstly, it's going to be a difficult game, away. AmaZulu is an excellent team so we need to think about how we are going to win the game. It's the last game of the season. So we need to win, we need the three points," said Riveiro as quoted by SABC Sport. https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/victory-the-only-way-to-secure-champions-league-spot-jose-riveiro

"We have a small minimal advantage but if you think about the scenario three months ago and the advantage that our opposition had in that moment, I think we can be proud of the performance of the team in the last part of the season."

While Pirates will visit AmaZulu for their last game of the season, SuperSport have a tricky fixture of their own away to Sekhukhune United. 

I'm not thinking at all about the cup final - Riveiro.

Orlando Pirates will host Sekhukhune United on Saturday 13  May at Orlando Stadium in a Dstv Premiership encounter, with the kick-off at 15:00.

Pirates are going into this game on a high, having not lost a match in the league in their last seven outings, winning six and a single draw.

They are currently second on the log with 50 points, two ahead of third placed Supersport United, making their objective of qualifying for the CAF Champions League more of a reality.

Riveiro's men, are also through to their second final of the season, having beaten Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals, and have every opportunity to finish the season with an impressive double.

While his players might already be thinking about the prospect of lifting their second trophy of the season, Riveiro, who was voted as coach of the month for April, insists that finishing second in the league is their main objective at the moment.

"The next objective for us is to consolidate our position in the log and make sure that we can be in the second position. I'm not thinking at all about the cup final and who's going to be our opponent in the cup final,'' said Riveiro as quoted by SABC Sport. https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/we-are-the-team-of-the-month-jose-riveiro

It has been a successful first season in charge for the Spaniard at Pirates.

Having started the campaign on a high note, and largely tipped to be the team to finally stop Mamelodi Sundowns' dominance in the league, which didn't happen as the Brazilians clinched the title with seven matches to spare, but Pirates have made their presence felt, and look set to make a race of the league title next season. 

Pirates beat TS Galaxy to claim second spot.

Orlando Pirates strengthened their Caf Champions League spot hopes when they defeated TS Galaxy 2-1 on Sunday afternoon at Mbombela Stadium.

Goals from Terrence Dzvukamanja 2' and Deon Hotto 59', were enough to see Pirates brush aside TS Galaxy to stretch their winning streak to six games in the Dstv Premiership.

Pirates enjoyed the better of the early exchanges, after scoring the opening goal within two minutes, looking more comfortable of the two sides, averaging 57% of the ball, and could have gone 2-0 ahead within six minutes after a ball deflected by Given Msimango almost ended up at the back of the net.

But Galaxy were not lying down and playing dead either, with Orebotse Mongae and Kamogelo Sebelebele threatening on quick offensive transitions.

Given Msimango headed Galaxy level on the 39th minute with a glancing header from the near post, before Hotto put Pirates back ahead nine minutes after half-time.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/its-like-being-fed-honey-on-knife.html?m=1

While Pirates enjoyed most of the ball, TS Galaxy once again relied on their good defensive organization to keep the score line respectable, limiting Pirates to 11 goal attempts, much lower than Amabhakaniya's standards, although they still managed to put five shots on target.

With offensive play not their strength, Galaxy still managed seven goal attempts and four shots on target.

With this win and only three matches to go, Pirates are now hot favorites to join Mamelodi Sundowns in the Caf Champions League next season.

Pirates next play Royal AM on Wednesday 03 May at Orlando Stadium, kick-off is at 15:00.

Xoki back, doubts over Lorch.

Orlando Pirates will travel to Mbombela Stadium on Sunday 30 April to take on TS Galaxy, with the imminent return of Thapelo Xoki a huge boost.

Xoki was injured against Dondol Stars in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals, and the Pirates medical team has reported he is likely to be fit for selection.

Thembinkosi Lorch's situation is still being monitored by the medical team, and he is a doubtful starter for Sunday.

Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro will be happy with the return of his right-backs, Bandile Shandu and Craig Martin. The pair have resumed full training with the team.

While they were out, left-back Paseko Mako did a good job of filling in the right-back position.

But the return of Shandu and Martin, will give Pirates more balance and options at right-back, especially with the Soweto derby looming on the horizon.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/playing-swallows-before-derby-worries.html?m=1

Goalkeeper, Richard Ofori, and Cameroonian forward, Bienvenu Eva Nga have also resumed full training, while Vincent Pule and veteran forward, Ndumiso Mabena could resume full training during the coming few days.

The return to action for many of the Pirates players comes at a crucial time when depth will be key.

Bucs are competing for their second trophy of the season in the Nedbank Cup, as well as in the Dstv Premiership for the Caf Champions League spot.

Can TS Galaxy end Pirates' winning streak?

Orlando Pirates will travel to Mbombela Stadium on Sunday 30 April to face TS Galaxy in a Dstv Premiership encounter to Kick-off at 15:00.

Going to Sunday's match, Pirates are riding on a wave of excellent form, having won five league games in a row to boost their chances of clinching the Caf Champions League spot.

The hosts, TS Galaxy, have not been doing all too well. They have won one, drawn two, and lost two of their last five games, a poor run of form that makes it hard to believe they can stop Pirates.

But Galaxy can be a different side to play against, especially when it comes to breaking down their well organized defensive structure.

The Rockets have conceded just 17 goals so far this season, averaging 0.65 goals conceded per match in the league, which makes them the second best defense in the Dstv Premiership.

But it is their performances in the final third that have been a huge let down.

Galaxy are not a team that creates a lot of big chances. Their xGF (expected goals for) average is a poor 1.06 per match in the league.

It reflects on their 0.81 goals scored per match average.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/the-effort-and-attitude-were-second-to.html?m=1

Having to go up against another stubborn defence in Pirates, doesn't leave much hope for them considering their poor exploits in front of goal.

Pirates average 0.69 goals conceded per match in the league, and they have let in just one goal more than Galaxy.

What gives Bucs even a bigger advantage going to Mbombela, despite their reach vein of form, is their improvement when it comes to finding the back of the net, having scored 11 goals in five league matches.

In a nutshell, all Pirates needs is to be more ruthless in front of goal, making use of an avalanche of chances they create in almost every match, while keeping their impressive defensive structure to dispose of TS Galaxy.

*Stats Source: footystats

Chiefs and Pirates must not be happy with the second spot - Says Ramovic.

TS Galaxy coach, Sead Ramovic, says Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are too big as football clubs to be fighting for the second spot.

Mamelodi Sundowns emerged as champions for the sixth time in a row when they won the Dstv Premiership title with seven matches to spare.

According to Ramovic, Chiefs and Pirates have all the resources they need to challenge Sundowns instead of being 20 points behind.

"To be honest, clubs like Orlando, Chiefs…fantastic clubs, good squad, good coaches, financially strong…top supporters, probably the best in Africa," Ramovic said as quoted by SABC Sport. https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/sead-ramovic-slams-tv-pundits-calls-for-educated-analysis

"But they are happy with second spot? No man…this can’t be. That’s not success, they have to fight for the title and not be 20 points behind Sundowns," he added.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/du-preez-hero-as-chiefs-beat-chippa.html?m=1

In light of the two Soweto giants' performances this season, and the points gap between them and Sundowns, Ramovic says the 'expects' who say the two sides had a good season must be joking.

"And the experts want to tell me they’ve had a great season? That’s a joke."

Ramovic's TS Galaxy, will host one of the Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates on Sunday 30 May at Mbombela Stadium, with the kick-off at 15:00.

TS Galaxy are currently 11th on the log with 31 points after 26 matches, while Pirates are third with 46 points in 26 matches.

Riveiro says Pirates is in love with cup games, and of course, winning them.

               Image: Facebook

Orlando Pirates will face their arch-rivals, Kaizer Chiefs in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup.

Their head coach, Jose Riveiro admits that his side likes to play cup games.

Pirates won the MTN8 title earlier in the season when they beat AmaZulu 1-0 in Durban, and they will have their sights set on slaying beating chiefs to advance to the finals of the Nedbank Cup, in what would be the sweetest revenge for Bucs after Amakhosi got the better of them twice this season in the Dstv Premiership.

Winning a double would be a major achievement for the Spaniard who has managed to turn things around at Pirates, by getting them to play some beautiful football without compromising their defensive organization.

"We have good memories, bad as well. I think we struggled here with Sekhukhune [United], if I’m not mistaken," said Riveiro as quoted by iDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/nedbank-cup/riveiro-targets-second-cup-final-with-pirates/

"But it’s a good place for us, important, special. We like to play the cups, these knockout games we really do and like you said last time we managed to play a good final, to get a title and that’s the intention in every competition.

"We are representing Orlando Pirates so it goes without saying that it’s a must to fight to be there. And Being there is a different story it depends on a lot of factors but the team is really focused and doing everything in order to make our fans happy.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/mangethe-samkelo-gave-us-that-edge-zwane.html?m=1

"Now we really have the possibility to see ourselves in another final."

The urgent matter for Pirates though, is the Caf Champions League spot, and they will continue gunning for it when they host Cape Town City on Saturday 22 April at Orlando Stadium.

Kick-off is at 15:00.

Fan Views: Pirates knows very well they are our wives.

        Image source: Facebook

The Nedbank Cup semi-final draw did the Lord's work, with Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates pitted against each other to serve the nation with another edition of the Soweto Derby.

This one has all the ingredients to make it yummy, with it being a cup encounter, Chiefs searching for their first trophy in eight long years, and Pirates raring to get their revenge after losing twice to Amakhosi this season.

As expected, there has been some interesting reactions on social media from the fans on the draw!

So Orlando Pirates have become Kaizer Chiefs submissive wives lately?

One fan, @Evan Kethabo says do!

"Orlando Pirates know very well they are our Wives we'll chow them till forever....I'm happy with the draw,"

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/its-not-going-to-be-easy-zwane-on.html?m=1

From a wife to a daily bread! Is that what Pirates have become to Chiefs? Like, really?

No wonder @Mthobisi Lindi Duma has thanked the man above for giving them Bucs.

"Thanks God for giving us our daily bread."

While Amakhosi fans are excited to have drawn against Pirates, a Bhakaniya fans thinks they should be worried.

"Great! it is about time Chiefs luck against Pirates come to an end," said Zwakele Mbhamali

But wait! A Chiefs fan is counting on two Pirates players to do the Lord's work for them!

"Ndah to do what he does best and Maela to give us a Penalty, What a smooth road to the final," said Saletlatlana Semoneye Mosime.

And wait for this! Amakhosi won't even need a penalty to beat Pirates!

"We don't need penalty to beat Pirates," said Malie Gangatha

One Pirates fan is truly worried about playing Chiefs! But where is the belief? Come on Bhakaniya!

"Chiefs might eliminate us, no  matter how well organized we are, they just have a way of beating us," said Abel Ab-Flow

Last but not least, the Nedbank Cup will not end well for Chiefs, according to one Pirates fan. Apparently, it will end in tears!

"Mmm this won't end well for Chiefs, it will end in tears.
You can mark my words, Let's go Bhakajuju!!" Rhee Umshokobezie Zuma

It’s not going to be easy - Zwane on the Nedbank Cup semi-final against Pirates.

    Image credit: iDiski Times Twitter. 

Kaizer Chiefs have beaten Orlando Pirates two times this season, and the Nedbank Cup semi-finals draw has pitted the two Soweto giants against each other.

While Amakhosi will be looking for a treble of Soweto Derby wins, Amabhakaniya want their revenge and a second trophy of the season.

Chiefs coach, Arthur Zwane, says his side will have to be on top condition.

"It’s not going to be easy as everyone thinks," said Zwane as quoted by iDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/nedbank-cup/zwane-eyes-another-derby-win-over-pirates-in-nedbank-cup-semis/

"Because cup games are totally different to league matches. But as I said, we will treat every game with respect and unfortunately this one is not like any other games – there is a lot at stake.

"If we want to beat Pirates, we are expected to be on top of them and make sure that we win the game."

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/chiefs-to-end-trophy-drought-with.html?m=1

The Soweto Derby has failed to live up to expectations when it comes to the football the two sides dish out on the field.

But Zwane believes that with both Pirates and Chiefs on an upward trajectory lately, the Nedbank Cup semi-final will be a good game to watch.

"I think the excitement comes from knowing that we are playing Pirates and they are also doing well, that will be good for South African football as well, because we are also finding our way up.

"I think it is going to be one game that is very good to watch."

Chiefs to end trophy drought with the Nedbank Cup?

  Image credit: Kaizer Chiefs Twitter. 

Kaizer Chiefs were drawn against Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals after beating Royal AM 2-1 at Chartsworth Stadium, Durban, on Sunday evening.

Chiefs have not won a trophy in eight years, and the Nedbank Cup gives them an opportunity to break the curse.

But first, they have to deal with cup double hunting Pirates, who disposed of a spirited Dondol Stars in the quarter-finals on Saturday afternoon.

Pirates are looking for their second trophy this season after wrestling the MTN8 title away from Mamelodi Sundowns.

Concerning being drawn against their arch rivals, Amakhosi will take heart in the fact that they have beaten Amabhakaniya twice this season in the Dstv Premiership.

This means Chiefs will be the more confident of the two sides going into the third serving of the Soweto Derby this season.

Added to Chiefs' motivational factors will be their hunger for silverware.

But Pirates, might come out firing on all cylinders in the semi-finals.

Losing Soweto Derby three times in a row will be a disaster that Jose Riveiro will want to avoid.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/chiefs-beat-royal-am-to-reach-nedbank.html?m=1

It is a well known fact that a coach who doesn't win South Africa's biggest fixture is not taken seriously by their club's faithful. Bragging rights mean a lot when it comes to Chiefs and Pirates fans, and Amabhakaniya would love nothing more than seeing Riveiro getting one over his counterpart, Arthur Zwane, and actually going all the way to winning South Africa's FA Cup, completing a dream cup double for Pirates in his first season.

In another Nedbank Cup semi-final, Stellenbosch FC will take on Sekhukhune United.

Dates and venues to be confirmed. 

If we were playing basketball, we probably could have won with a 30 or 40 points - Riveiro.

According to Orlando Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro, his side did enough to beat Dondol Stars in regulation time, but they were just unlucky with their final touch.

Amabhakaniya had to go through the agony of a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw with the third tiers after extra-time.

 "I was quite calm on the bench. I was quite sure that we would make it before the penalties, but it’s a football game, and anything can happen," Riveiro told the media as quoted by Goal.com
https://www.goal.com/en-za/news/did-orlando-pirates-underrate-dondol-stars-in-nedbank-cup-riveiro-was-quite-sure-bucs-will-not-go-to-penalties/bltac488e6120e47e18

"If we were playing basketball, we probably could have won with a 30 or 40 points advantage. But this is football, and it’s very complex. It’s easy and complex at the same time, but these things can happen."

"[Penalties] are not what we planned. But at the same time, it was not a surprise. It’s a cup game, and these games are special, that’s why we love the cups everywhere around the world, and South Africa is not an exception."

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/dondol-must-be-proud-while-pirates-must.html?m=1

Riveiro admitted they faced a good team in Dondol, taking a veiled dig at Supersport United and AmaZulu, by mentioning how there are couple of teams in the PSL who know Dondol very well.

"We faced a good team, there are a couple of PSL teams who can tell you about them, and we managed to do enough to avoid the penalties, to be honest, but we were very unlucky in the last touch."

Dondol must be proud, while Pirates must balance their game - Tso Vilakazi.

Orlando Pirates advanced to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals after beating a determined Dondol Stars 5-4 on penalties at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder, and iDiski TV analyst, Benedict 'Tso' Vilakazi was left impressed by the ABC Motsepe League side.

"These boys should walk with their heads up, and be proud of themselves, it is not often that you see a team from the third division playing a PSL team and dominate the game in all departments," Tso told iDiski TV. 

"But like I always say, you can't go to Woolworths or Pick n Pay to buy experience, it is earned.

"Those boys only lacked experience, the football they displayed, the chances they created, it was just lack of experience in terms of choosing the right passes and the right moments to make those passes, that's all. Well done to them for taking Pirates to penalties."

While Vilakazi was impressed with Dondol, he feels his former club, Pirates lack balance in their game.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/rulani-must-stop-doing-certain-players.html?m=1

"Pirates need to balance their game, you can't always use width to win games because teams watch your games and catch up with your tactics.

"They make life easy for their opponents, who just have to make sure they stop their wing play, that's what Dondol did. They made sure they covered the width and played through the middle, that's why they looked good.

"Pirates don't have midfielders who can influence the game through the middle, that's why they struggle, they need to balance their play."

Pirates next match will be against Cape Town City on Saturday 22 April at Orlando Stadium.

Kick-off will be at 15:00.