Orlando Pirates welcome the favourites tag in the Nedbank Cup final - Jose Riveiro

Riveiro was responding to Sekhukhune head coach Brandon Truter who declared Bucs as the favourites going to this final, given their stature and their current form. 

Pirates have not beaten Babina Noko this season, but the Spanish-born coach welcomes the favourites tag.

"I take it, I accept it, we are Orlando Pirates. Any game we are going to play we have to accept that role [of being favourites] and that pressure but at the same time it doesn't mean that it's gonna be an easy game," he said.

"We have to be mentally prepared for the difficult game because first of all it's a final and secondly, it's a very difficult team. They showed it several times this season especially when they faced 'favourites'. So, we know what's coming."

It’s been a season to remember for Pirates, they have finished second in the league and heading back into the CAF Champions League for the first time in four years, and are now on the verge of completing a double this season when it comes to a trophy. Riveiro says this talks to the competitiveness of his squad.

"Obviously when you starting the season and you are coaching a club like this, it's obvious that you think about playing in the final. Then getting the titles requires a lot of things that must happen during the season, dynamics, injuries, a bit of luck that you need also to win in the games," he said.

"But we are in the right place so it's not a surprise to see our name in the last game of every tournament. I'm so happy to make it possible, to be part of the group that's making it possible. To give our fans reasons to trust us."