Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is not taking any chances in their MTN8 semi-final second-leg match against Cape Town City on Saturday, even though they have a slight advantage from their 1-1 draw in the first leg.

Cape Town City hopes to win its first MTN8 title since 2018. Coach Eric Tinkler believes keeping the same energy and intensity from the first leg will be key.

The two teams will meet at Orlando Stadium, with Pirates holding an edge thanks to their away goal. However, Riveiro insists his team won’t rely on that.

“It’s another game on Saturday. Trust me, we are not going to think that 0-0 is good enough,” he said.

“We are going to play to win the match. It’s nice to have the 1-1 from the away leg, but that’s all.”

Pirates aim for their third MTN8 title in a row, but Riveiro knows that Tinkler might have some tricks up his sleeve.

“Eric might try two or three different things that will make it tough again, so we have to be ready with different solutions,” Riveiro said.

“Going into the second leg, we have to play with the same energy but with a more positive mindset, knowing that we need to get an away goal.”

Tinkler emphasised the need for his team to be aggressive and focused on scoring.

“We have to go there, be positive, try to control the game, create as many chances as possible, and, of course, score,” he added.

City will be without new signing Carlinhos due to injury, but forward Amadou Soukouna might make his debut.

For Pirates, Gilberto, who came on as a substitute on Wednesday, could start for the first time.

Pictured above: Cape Town City midfielder Jaedin Rhodes shoots at goal while under the challenge of Orlando Pirates defender Thabiso Sesane.

Source: Cape Town City