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Jose Riveiro - Nedbank Cup - GFX GOAL
Dingizwe Gwala

Nedbank Cup: Orlando Pirates continue journey to monopolise cup competition as Mamelodi Sundowns look set to hold on to the PSL title

GOAL looks at the possibility of Orlando Pirates cementing their status as cup kings much like Mamelodi Sundowns have a stronghold in the PSL.

Orlando Pirates, the modern-day Premier Soccer League cup kings under the leadership of Jose Riveiro, will be going up against Baroka FC in the Nedbank Cup as the Buccaneers continue their title defence this weekend.

Pirates won the last two editions and are favourites to successfully defend this one as they did with the MTN8 earlier this season. Since the league title has been strongly and safely held by Gauteng rivals Mamelodi Sundowns for the last seven seasons and look likely to retain it as they have a nine-point gap over Bucs, perhaps it is time for Pirates to do the same with the cups.

Maybe, Pirates and Riveiro could focus on dominating cup competitions and establish themselves as actual cup kings because they have a lot of catching up to do with rivals Kaizer Chiefs. Here, GOAL looks ahead to Pirates' Nedbank Cup last 16 match.

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  • Jose Riveiro, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    An easy draw against Baroka

    The Buccaneers will face Baroka with confidence, despite their recent slip-ups - such as their shock loss to Maluti FET College in 2013 and a more recent defeat to newly promoted Magesi FC. However, this time around, there’s a palpable sense of optimism. This is a much more organised Pirates side under coach José Riveiro, and their home advantage over Baroka makes it seem unlikely that any surprises are in store. Yet, football is never a certainty - just ask TS Galaxy, who stunned Kaizer Chiefs - who are hot on the heels of Fawaaz Basadien - with a knockout blow in the 2018 edition while still an NFD team. That said, Pirates still appear more than ready to take control and secure the win.

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  • Jose Riveiro NBC video

    Nedbank cup invincibles

    The Buccaneers have been nothing short of invincible in the Nedbank Cup since Riveiro took charge, and their dominance is no accident. They’ve been unbeaten since the Round of 16 in 2022, winning all 11 matches they’ve played in the competition. Last season was particularly sweet for the club as they overcame their rivals, Sundowns, in a dramatic finale. After defeating Richards Bay in an all-PSL encounter, Pirates are determined to defend their unbeaten streak and protect their coveted title.

  • Jose Riveiro, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    Cup pedigree unmatched

    At this point, Pirates have firmly cemented themselves as the kings of cup football in South Africa, under the leadership of Riveiro. With five major trophies to their name since his arrival - including a historic three consecutive MTN8 titles - they now stand on the brink of repeating that same success in the Nedbank Cup. There’s a renewed sense of unity and motivation in the squad, reminiscent of the golden days under Ruud Krol, who led Pirates to their first double treble.

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  • Deon Hotto & Teboho Mokoena, Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates, January 2025Orlando Pirates

    League glory slipping away

    Sitting nine points behind Sundowns, though, with two games in hand, Pirates are aware of the strong possibility that Masandawana could yet retain their league title. With Miguel Cardoso eager to finish strong, there’s a growing sense that the league might slip out of Pirates’ grasp this season. With a league-less campaign potentially looming, Riveiro and his team might be better off doubling down on their cup dominance. After all, this is where Pirates truly shine, and with their focus fully on the Nedbank Cup, the journey begins here.

  • Miguel Cardoso of Mamelodi Sundowns and Jose Riveiro of Orlando Pirates 16-9GOAL GFX

    Sundowns have low cup appetite

    Sundowns may have reached the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup finals last season, losing both to Pirates, but they have toned down their ambition as far as cup competitions are concerned. The main focus for the club is the league and the Caf Champions League, which supposedly got Manqoba Mngqithi - whose future is in the spotlight - and Rulani Mokwena fired as the former had an underwhelming start in the group stages, and Mokwena, on the other hand, asked for four years to deliver the Champions League. However, the real test is yet to come for Downs as they face minnows Mpheni.

  • Jose Riveiro, Orlando PiratesBackpage

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