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the finish of the season whereas they put together to tackle Polokwane Metropolis within the Betway Premiership on the Outdated Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.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 had been left shocked after the membership revealed that Riveiro shall 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 fees will take solace in the truth that they’ve 4 video games in hand. Mathematically, Pirates are nonetheless inside attain of successful 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ended their seven-match winless streak within the league final Sunday by bagging a 3-1 win towards Richards Bay on the Outdated Peter Mokaba Stadiums.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 aspect’s latest win towards the Natal Wealthy Boyz, Rise and Shine coach Phuti Mohafe expressed that the Polokwane aspect wanted the arrogance booster forward of their recreation towards the Soweto giants.
“It is a reduction for us in a way that we scored three and we have got three factors [against Richards Bay]. With that mentality, I can not say we now have turned the nook, we shall be mendacity to ourselves going to calm down 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 referred to as for his aspect to stay targeted on the duty at hand amid the announcement that he shall 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 stated.
“The time will come for me to specific myself on the choice I’ve made however now isn’t that point as a result of we now have a job to do. The season is much from over and we now have 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 successful methods within the Betway Premiership final day trip. After scoring a brace towards Richards Bay, Nkaki shall 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 menace to opposing defences this season. With Pirates hoping to bag silverware this season, the gifted teenager may effectively 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
