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Pirates Motivated By MTN8 Success To End Chiefs Hoodoo

Pirates Motivated By MTN8 Success To End Chiefs Hoodoo

Orlando Pirates head Jose Riveiro says that his side is motivated to bounce back in the Soweto Derby duel against Kaizer Chiefs after winning the MTN8 trophy. 

Pirates and Chiefs will meet again for the second time in a space of two weeks in the Carling Black Label Cup second semi-final on Saturday at FNB Stadium. 

However, the format of the competition is different, where fans are given the power to vote for the starting line-up and taking part in his first Carling Black Label Cup tournament, Riveiro says he does not have any reservations about how the tournament is structured. 

"It's a different competition, different rules, we just have to read the rules, learn and go with it, they (fans) going to choose eleven players in our squad," Riveiro told journalists in a pre-match press conference. 

Read: Pirates' Maela On Facing Chiefs 

"So it's not going to be a big problem for us, we'll just try to do the necessary adaptations to be competitive with the starting eleven they gonna choose. 

"But they are selecting players in a high quality squad so a lot of them are going to be prepared to play and there's going to be chances for everyone during the tournament, for sure." 

Chiefs have been enjoying a winning streak against Pirates, as they beat the Buccaneers for the fourth time in a row in the league just over a week ago, for the first time in the PSL era. 

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The Spanish tactician was asked whether winning the MTN8 trophy takes the pressure off the team going into another derby and if they are looking to end their losing streak against Amakhosi. 

"No, they beat us two weeks ago, not three times in a row, you're talking about a different season maybe," Riveiro responded.

"Obviously we're still happy and proud about our last achievement together this season and obviously we'll like to go always from game to game after a victory. 

"The mood and the motivation is always high, we're still convinced that we still need to improve, it's not everything done, this weekend we have an opportunity to improve."  

Read: Hope For Pirates' Two Stars On Possibly Facing Chiefs?

The winner of the semi-final match between Pirates and Chiefs will face the victor between Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu in the first semi-final, in the final later in the afternoon. And Riveiro suggested that he's hoping to reach the final to have as many players involved as possible, as they enjoy playing these type of matches. 

"To play hopefully two beautiful games against top teams in a beautiful place again and we're learning from those games. We'll like to play that type of games every week," he went on.

"So we're facing the week really motivated and really hoping to show a good performance one more time," he added. 

There will be straight penalty shootouts to decide th third-placed team from the losers of the two semi-finals. 

Pirates' confirmed line-up: Ofori, Ndah, Maela, Mako, Monyane, Ndlondlo, Timm, Motshwari, Makaringe, Erasmus, Saleng.

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