Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has claimed that he is not feeling the pressure to win another cup final.
Riveiro’s men progressed to the final of the MTN8 on Sunday despite a 1-0 defeat to Stellenbosch FC at Orlando Stadium in the semi-finals.
The Soweto giants progressed on the away-goal rule after the two-legged tie ended 2-2 as Pirates won the first leg 2-1 in the Western Cape.
It is Riveiro’s third domestic cup final since joining Pirates last year.
He won the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup in his first season in charge.
The Spaniard insists there is no pressure to defend the MTN8 title.
“Extra pressure? No, not at all. It’s a final, there is pressure for both [clubs],” he said.
Pirates will take on Mamelodi Sundowns in the final of the MTN8 on Saturday, 07 October at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Sundowns reached the final after beating Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 on aggregate.
The first leg ended 1-1 at FNB Stadium, while the return leg was won by the Tshwane giants at the Locus Moripe Stadium.
JOSE RIVEIRO PLAYS DOWN PRESSURE TO DEFEND MTN8 TITLE
“You have a bad day, you don’t win the title. It’s going to be a nice game. Both teams are very strong, there are a lot of things to prove in that game for both sides,” he added.
“People will have the opportunity to see fantastic 22 players fighting for a title in an excellent environment in Moses Mabhida. “So there is no pressure.
Finding the right mindset to face strong opposition is essential to victory..
Riveiro and his troops will tackle Jwaneng Galaxy in the CAF Champions League before the MTN8 final.
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They are set to host Galaxy in the second leg of the Champions League preliminary round clash.
Pirates lose 1-0 in MTN8 semi-final first leg, with Riveiro focused on Champions League clash
“Now our mind is to celebrate today, and tomorrow we start to think about Jwaneng, and after that, we will have time to prepare for our final as well,” concluded Riveiro.