If the Nedbank Cup were to go all the way to a penalty shootout, it could no doubt turn out to be one of the most exciting moments of the season with Ronwen Williams and Sipho Chaine able to take part in a famous battle to stop the spot kicks.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro believes penalties are no longer a lottery, with teams being able to prepare for them a lot more than they did in the past.
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With technology coming into the game, and analysts within the clubs being able to assess the areas which certain players usually place their penalties, goalkeepers are able to have a clearer idea of which way to go when the ball leaves the foot of the individual taking the spot kicks.
Should the much anticipated Nedbank Cup go all the way to penalties on Saturday afternoon, it would no doubt be an exciting one, with both goalkeepers more than capable of putting on a memorable show between the sticks. Earlier this season, Chaine stopped three spot kicks against Sundowns in the MTN8 final, to inspire the Buccaneers to back-to-back titles in the competition, while Williams has been famous for being an expert at denying players from 12 yards out.
If it were to go all the way to penalties, Pirates coach Riveiro believes they would be prepared for it.
"It's one of the possible scenarios in a final. As usual, we try to have that experience during the week with the (penalty) takers, the ones that are probably going to be between the poles, having that responsibility. It's also part of the dynamic within the group and the technical staff, to analyse everything," Riveiro said to media during the Nedbank Cup final press conference held in Sandton, Johannesburg.
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"In the past, we used to say penalties is a lottery, but I think it's not a lottery anymore. It's one of the scenarios you can train, coach and advise. On the day, I think the previous work you did during the week is going to play a big role in that situation."
On the heroics of Williams this year, Riveiro said: "What can I say about Ronwen? Ronwen during the season was showing the level that he has with his goalkeeping. It's something remarkable, of course."
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