Jose Riveiro, coach of Orlando Pirates during the 2024 MTN8 final match between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 05 October 2024
Gerhard Duraan, Backpages
Fresh from making history in the MTN8 after winning the prestigious competition for the third consecutive time, Orlando Pirates will be hoping for a perfect start in the Carling Knockout this weekend.
The Buccaneers will be at home to PSL newcomers Magesi FC on Saturday, and they will know that they won’t have to take anything for granted after the opponents showed improvement in their last two matches, where they collected four points from a possible six following a slow start to life in the top division.
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Last season, Pirates were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout by Richards Bay FC 5-4 in the penalty shootouts after a goalless draw in regulation and extra time in Durban.
In preparing for the upcoming fixture, while also expecting the players on international duty to return after the last game of this round’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the Buccaneers could make tweaks to the line-up to manage the fixture congestion.
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“There are a lot of games that are being played, and the technical team knows the importance of managing the squad. You saw some changes in the (MTN8) final and it could be the case again on the weekend. There are also tough games coming up in the Champions League,” said the source.
In the CAF Champions League, Bucs have been drawn in Group C with Algerian champions CR Belouizdad, Al Ahly of Egypt and Stade D’Abidjan from Ivory Coast.
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