Renowned cup specialist Jose Riveiro has issued a detailed analysis of Orlando Pirates' upcoming opponents Stellenbosch FC, noting one aspect of their game that makes them a difficult team to face in the MTN8 final.
Pirates are preparing for the trip to Durban, where history beckons as they chase a third consecutive MTN8 title.
It promises to be an exciting encounter between two in-form teams, with the Soweto giants edging the form guide slightly as they are yet to lose, while Stellenbosch FC tasted defeat against Golden Arrows recently.
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Speaking to journalists at a pre-match press conference at Rand Stadium on Tuesday, the Spanish coach provided a blunt analysis of the Steve Barker-led outfit.
"We have to accept Stellenbosch the way they are. We respect them," Riveiro said.
"We faced Stellenbosch four times last season - in the MTN8 twice, and two games in the league. We beat them once and it took 94 minutes to beat them against 10 players. We didn't get the result in any of the other games.
"So, we know very well what it means to play Stellenbosch and we have to accept that it's a a game where we are [going to be] permanently under threat because there is going to be transitions.
"It doesn't matter how well we prepare ourselves for that situation, we know it's coming. We know [Sanele] Barns, we know [Devin] Titus, we know [Lehlohonolo] Mojela, and we know Jayden [Adams]. We know how aggressive they are in the counter-press. They are the top team in the league in how aggressive they are.
"Mojela, their striker, is the top in the log of fouls committed, with [Ismael] Toure. It tells a lot about the level of aggression they have in the moment that they lose the ball and how aggressive they are in running forward the moment they get the ball.
"So, we know that that's one of the things we need to control close to perfection and if we do it, we will be close to winning the match, and if we don't, the results will be compromised.
"It doesn't mean that we are going to deny ourselves also the opportunity to play football. We are the team we are, we play the brand of football that we play and we will try to do it even in the final," he continued.
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Pirates will go into the match aiming to collect a record third consecutive MTN8 title while Stellies will be looking to make history of their own by clinching their first-ever MTN8 trophy.