BACK TO BACK NEDBANK CUP TRIUMPH FOR PIRATES

Written by: Kamogelo Mogale

Orlando Pirates have been crowned 2024 Nedbank Cup champions after defeating reigning DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 at the Mbombela stadium on Saturday afternoon. Themba Zwane opened the scoring charts for The Brazilians in the 54^th minute but PSL Player’s player of the year nominee Patrick Maswanganyi found the equalizer in the 70^th minute through a penalty spot kick. PSL Young player of the year nominee continued his fine form as he scored the match winner in the 80^th minute to ensure that The Buccaneers successfully defend their Nedbank Cup title.

Pirates’ Nedbank Cup title sees them claim a domestic cup double, seven months after winning the MTN8 title, defeated Sundowns in that very cup final and also winning four major trophies in two years under the mentorship of Coach Jose Riveiro.

Riveiro has added that defeating Sundowns in Mbombela was evidence that Pirates were not too far off the DStv Premiership champions despite the 23-point gap between the two sides.

“I learnt the level that my team can have on the day, and during the week, when we face these types of games, and I can say that we are not that far behind,” he added.

“I don’t think the difference between these two teams is 23 points – it is, that’s the reality from the log, but we can manage to compete and it’s in our hands to keep this level of competitiveness week-in and week-out, that’s the main thing we need to improve.”

The Spanish tactician rarely shows his emotions or boasts about his achievements and when Jose Riveiro tried to paint a picture of how his hard work is paying off, the Orlando Pirates coach could only provide his regular wry smile while acknowledging his team is indeed “cooking.”

“We’re cooking. I think the evolution of the team this season is superior to last season, in my opinion. If that means eight out of ten or seven-and-half, I don’t know.

“It might be our fans or the media who will in the end judge the work we do. Now with this cherry on the top, everything looks even better. But there’s still a big room for improvement in the future, and it depends on us,” Riveiro concluded.