Orlando Pirates are set to begin life without head coach Jose Riveiro when they welcome TS Galaxy to Orlando Stadium this afternoon in what promises to be an emotionally charged encounter.
The fixture comes just days after a touching farewell for Riveiro at the same venue, where the Buccaneers dismantled Golden Arrows 3-0 in a dominant display.
Read: New Pirates Coach To Uphold Mandate Set By Riveiro
That performance marked the end of the Spaniard’s tenure with the club, and now, the spotlight turns to how the team will respond without their former mentor on the touchline.
With Mamelodi Sundowns having officially secured the Betway Premiership title following their emphatic 3-0 win over Chippa United on Wednesday, Pirates are left to focus on securing the next best prize – a return to the CAF Champions League.
Currently placed second on the league table, the Soweto giants know that maintaining that position is crucial, not only to fulfil continental ambitions but also to close the season on a high note amid this managerial transition.
The pressure is on, and consistency will be key in these final rounds.
TS Galaxy, on the other hand, come into the game looking to cause an upset. Known for their resilience and tactical discipline, the Rockets will fancy their chances against a Pirates side still adapting to change.
Every point count at this stage, and both sides are expected to leave nothing to chance.
Read – EXCLUSIVE: Matlaba Tells All In Candid Pirates Exit Interview
Supporters will be eager to see how the team lines up in this post-Riveiro chapter, with a number of tactical tweaks and possible personnel shifts on the cards under caretaker coach Mandla Ncikazi and Rayaan Jacobs.
The atmosphere at Orlando Stadium is likely to be electric once again, as fans rally behind the team in this crucial clash.
Check out our gallery for the possible starting line-up!
