Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro says past results will not play against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday and is targeting writing new history with the Buccaneers.
Sundowns are unbeaten against Pirates over their last six games, with the last four scorelines reading 4-1, 2-0, 3-0 and 4-1, which Riveiro says has nothing to do with him.
Ahead of their MTN8 first leg semi-final, he claimed they are fully focused on improving this talented squad at his disposal added to whoever they face, it’s about getting close to the playing style and identity he wants to implement rather than playing the occasion or changing things up for a specific opposition.
“The past two seasons are not going to play on Saturday,” Riveiro said in reference to Sundowns’ recent dominance.
“You can be sure about it, the past is the past, it’s gone. So we try to look to the future with optimism and positivity and understanding this is a different story. This is a different book this season and we have the chance to write our new history.
“This is what we’re trying to do in every single game and again, this is not an exception. We’re talking about a semi-final or two legs, Sundowns or whoever is in front [of us], we’re trying to be ourselves, build and grow our own identity.
“What we are trying to do is much more important than only one game, or isolating one game like something very very special, we’re going to get an outcome very positive if we manage to beat [Sundowns] and that’s what we’re looking for.”
Riveiro went on to add that the excitement is brewing amongst the squad as they share similar sentiments as the bulk of the squad haven’t tasted the silverware synonymous with the Soweto giants.
“So we’re just looking forward to today and tomorrow and the next and that’s it – it doesn’t make any sense for me to look at the results the last time the two teams face each other, because the players are very hungry and looking forward to it,” he explained.
“They are ambitious, they are professionals and they are playing for Pirates, to play these types of games, especially when we play home. We have the chance to write our own history this season.”
Pirates host the 2021/22 treble champions on Saturday afternoon at the Orlando Stadium (15h30) before the return leg in Tshwane two weeks later.
