Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has received an advice from the club’s legend Steve Lekoelea on how to approach Sekhukhune United and Kaizer Chiefs.
The Buccaneers are set to face Sekhukhune United today, Wednesday, April 30th, before turning their attention to preparing for the Phefeni Glamour Boys just three days later.
The highly anticipated Soweto Derby between the two sides will then take place on Saturday, May 3rd, at the iconic 2010 FIFA World Cup venue, FNB Stadium in Soweto.
Lekoelea has advised Jose Riveiro against resting players for the match against Babina Noko. He believes that dropping points in the midweek fixture could have a detrimental effect on their result against Chiefs.
LEKOELEA ADVISES RIVEIRO
“As a player, you should view every game as a new beginning. The CAF competition is in the past, and they must not focus on the derby,” says Steve Lekoelea as quoted by KickOff.
“Losing this match could diminish their spirits heading into the derby. They must keep their heads high.
“Remember, coaches tend to play those who are not at risk of receiving their fourth bookings. Overthinking the derby could lead to losing both matches.
“It's not a good strategy to save yourself for the derby. What if you feign an injury or request to be excused from tonight's match, and the player who replaces you performs exceptionally well?
“Do you think José Riveiro will drop him for the Soweto Derby?”
CHIEFS, PIRATES TO MEET AGAIN AFTER THE LEAGUE CLASH
The two sides will then meet against in the Nedbank Cup final on 10 May at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The much-anticipated clash will present a crucial opportunity for the Phefeni Glamour Boys as they aim to end their close to ten-year wait for silverware.
Meanwhile, Ezimnyama Ngenkani, under the guidance of Jose Riveiro, will be aiming to make history by achieving a Nedbank Cup three-peat, having already lifted the trophy in the previous two seasons.
