Riveiro: Pirates have capacity to switch off the noise

Jose Riveiro, Orlando Pirates’ Spanish coach, is a smooth operator, judging by how he glowingly spoke of Kaizer Chiefs, who have hardly been impressive this season.

Speaking at yesterday’s Soweto Derby pre-match presser, Riveiro said not too much must be read into Chiefs’ fifth place on the latest Premiership standings.

Although the Amakhosi have managed only six wins after 14 league outings, Riveiro cautioned that their Soweto neighbours will be a hard nut to crack in tomorrow’s showdown at the FNB Stadium (3.30pm kick-off).

“I think Chiefs is playing well this season,” said Riveiro. “I don’t think that the (Premiership) log is a true reflection of Chiefs’ performances in the league so far – and I’m being honest.

“They are creating a lot of chances in every game They are playing an attractive football, and that’s the same that we are trying to do at Pirates.

“If we are both, let’s say play true to the football that we have been playing in the previous games, I think it’s going to be an interesting game for the fans.”

Despite the euphoria around the iconic Soweto Derby, Riveiro said Pirates will not lose sight of the importance of remaining in the race for the Premiership title.

“The fans will come again in numbers but we’re not forgetting the importance of the three (league) points, which is vital for us,” said Riveiro.

“We want to continue fighting for that space (log leaders), and we need to focus as much as we can on the fact that we are playing for three points.”

The 49-year-old mentor, who will be experiencing his sixth Soweto Derby, said he is mindful of the carnival atmosphere prevailing at the stadium.

He said the derby is unique, and he’s never experienced anything like it elsewhere during his football career.

“The parties will be around the stadium, the party will be in the stands as well,” said Riveiro.

“Hopefully we can be part of that party at the end of the 90 minutes. We will be trying to play with our strengths, and not playing like people used to say we’re playing the occasion.”

Riveiro said his players were ready to cope with the derby’s heady atmosphere can be intimidating as both sets of fans instead try to outdo each other with noise from the 90 000 spectators.

“Well, you can imagine the Soweto Derby is a special day. Our fans know how important this game is for the people behind us. The excitement is all around,” said Riveiro.

“If there’s something that I can say about our players, it is that they have the capacity to switch off the noise, and to concentrate on our game plan.

“They will concentrate on the things that we know will take us to the result that we are looking for. “

Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi said he accepted that Pirates are the favourites to win tomorrow, but around the world, derbies can be unpredictable.

Nabi acknowledged the improvements at Pirates under coach Riveiro, but he feels his team has an equal chance of winning the match.

“It is okay for me that Pirates are favourites,” said Nabi.

“The history of derbies in every part of the world has shown there is no real favourite. Maybe favourite on paper, but when it comes to the field, we believe the chances are going to be 50-50.

“We just hope that it is going to be a good game of football, and the one that will be good on the day, concentrated on what to do, will carry the day – and we hope it will be us.”