Orlando Pirates are oozing with confidence ahead of their upcoming eagerly-awaited Soweto derby following their latest victory on the weekend.
The Buccaneers have had a perfect start in their Nedbank Cup defence with a 3-1 win over Richards Bay FC at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday to advance to the Last 16 of the prestigious competition.
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In-form winger and fan favourite Relebohile Mofokeng was again influential for the team with assists for both goals, scored by Patrick Mswanganyi, and walked away with the Man of the Match award, while the third goal was netted by Tshegofatso Mabasa who benefited from a Kabelo Dlamini assist.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has spoken about the team's impressive results and consistency.
"We are in a good space right now in your eyes because we are getting good results, but the performances have been there for a while from training. The team is maturing every game and these types of games are also important for them to understand, like I said before to your colleagues, that there are moments that we cannot control the game because the opponent has nothing to lose and they have numbers and you are 2-0 (up), you are tired and you just want to listen to the last whistle and go home, but it's not possible because you still have 30 minutes to play and you have to be there otherwise you are not going to make it," said Riveiro, speaking to journalists after the match.
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"And that part of the process is very important, especially with the young players. I'm not saying that when they are in the DDC (DStv Diski Challenge) they are dominant all the time, because those games are also open, but it's a different story when they come to the PSL (and) when they come to senior football. I've said it already many times before that it's not all about the coach or each and all of them, not only about the youngsters it's also about the seniors, I think they are fighting for the badge to the best of their abilities. I think Pirates this season have been consistent in terms of attitude and in terms of performances and that's why we are where we are," the coach said.
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