Jose Riveiro © Gallo Photographs
In what was information that made headlines in South African soccer within the final 24 hours, Orlando Pirates introduced that Jose Riveiro will depart the membership on the finish of the season whereas they put together to tackle Polokwane Metropolis within the Betway Premiership on the Outdated Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Kick-off is at 3pm (CAT, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
As talked about, Bucs followers have been left shocked after the membership revealed that Riveiro will probably be heading towards the exit doorways within the subsequent couple of months.
Regardless of trailing log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by 15 factors, Riveiro and his costs will take solace in the truth that they’ve 4 video games in hand. Mathematically, Pirates are nonetheless inside attain of profitable the 2024/25 Betway Premiership crown.
Bucs will head into their subsequent recreation on the again of a 1-0 win towards MC Alger within the CAF Champions League, whereas they’re unbeaten of their final three matches within the league.
Polokwane Metropolis ended their seven-match winless streak within the league final Sunday by bagging a 3-1 win towards Richards Bay on the Outdated Peter Mokaba Stadiums.
Because the shock package deal of the 24/25 Betway Premiership season, Polokwane Metropolis at the moment occupy sixth within the desk with 34 factors to their title after 23 matches performed.
WHAT WAS SAID
Talking on his facet’s current win towards the Natal Wealthy Boyz, Rise and Shine coach Phuti Mohafe expressed that the Polokwane facet wanted the boldness booster forward of their recreation towards the Soweto giants.
“It is a aid for us in a way that we scored three and we have got three factors [against Richards Bay]. With that mentality, I can’t say we’ve got turned the nook, we will probably be mendacity to ourselves going to loosen up and neglect we’re enjoying a giant match once more on the weekend.
“I can say this win is a confidence booster going into the following match.”
Over in Soweto, Riveiro has known as for his facet to stay targeted on the duty at hand amid the announcement that he will probably be leaving the membership on the finish of the season.
“My precedence proper now could be on our upcoming match towards Polokwane Metropolis. It is a powerful match. A match that wants our undivided consideration and focus,” Riveiro mentioned.
“The time will come for me to precise myself on the choice I’ve made however now isn’t that point as a result of we’ve got a job to do. The season is much from over and we’ve got plenty of work to do between now and the tip of Might.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Polokwane Metropolis: Lebohang Nkaki – The versatile star performed an vital function in Polokwane Metropolis getting again to profitable methods within the Betway Premiership final day trip. After scoring a brace towards Richards Bay, Nkaki will probably be filled with confidence heading into the match towards Pirates.
Orlando Pirates: Relebohile Mofokeng – As a participant with talent, finesse and x-factor, Mofokeng has been an ever-present risk to opposing defences this season. With Pirates hoping to bag silverware this season, the gifted teen may nicely be the distinction maker in video games with excessive stakes within the subsequent couple of weeks.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Final 5 league video games
2019/20 Orlando Pirates 3-2 Polokwane Metropolis
2019/20 Polokwane Metropolis 1-4 Orlando Pirates
2023/24 Orlando Pirates 1-1 Polokwane Metropolis
2023/24 Polokwane Metropolis 0-1 Orlando Pirates
2024/25 Orlando Pirates 3-0 Polokwane Metropolis
