Soweto Derby: Riveiro explains what he expects from ‘attractive’ Chiefs

Published on by Joel Oliver

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has lauded coach Nasreddine Nabi for doing a great job at Kaizer Chiefs during his short spell at the club.

Chiefs have experienced an inconsistent season that sees them in fifth place on the table with 21 points from 14 matches, six behind Pirates, who have played three games less.

The two teams meet in the first installment of the Soweto derby this season on Saturday February 1 at the FNB Stadium, even though Pirates are the home team.

Riveiro sings Chiefs’ praises

Kaizer Chiefs players celebrate a goal against Free Agents. Photo Kaizer Chiefs

While fans and pundits have labelled Pirates as the firm favourites, Riveiro says the table placing will not decide the outcome of the match as he has seen lots of improvements in the Glamour Boys, who he expects to give his team a difficult time.

“I think Chiefs are playing really well this season,” Riveiro said during the Soweto Derby pre-match press conference on Thursday.

“I don’t think that the log is a reflection of Chiefs performances in the league so far, I am honest.

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

Will Nabi unleash the new signings?

Glody Makabi Lilepo at his unveiling at Kaizer Chiefs. Photo Kaizer Chiefs

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

Chiefs are among teams that create the most chances in the PSL but waste most of them and it was the reason coach Nabi was crying out for attacking reinforcements in the midseason transfer window.

He got his wish when the club brought in striker Tashreeq Morris from SuperSport United, midfielder Thabo Cele and Congolese winger Glody Makabi Lilepo and he will be hoping to unleash two of them in the derby given the former is suspended from the match. 

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Joel Oliver

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.