Carling All Stars coach Jose Riveiro is not taking the threat posed by Knockout Cup champions Magesi FC lightly ahead of their exhibition clash.
The Limpopo-based outfit will get another shot at history when they take on the All Stars team at the Orlando Stadium tomorrow (3.30pm kick-off).
The clash will be a straight-out final shootout between the winners of the Carling Knockout competition and the Carling All Stars team made up of players and coaches from the various PSL teams, as voted for by the fans.
Dikwena tsa Meetse won the second edition of the Knockout competition in their first season in top-flight football, after a surprise 2-1 win against defending league champions Mamelodi Sundowns last month.
They come up against an All Stars team under the guidance of Orlando Pirates coach Riveiro, who makes a second showing as a coach following the success he enjoyed last season against Stellenbosch FC.
Early goals by Kaizer Chiefs duo Mfundo Vilakazi and Ashley du Preez handed the All Stars team a 2-0 lead in the 12th minute, and it proved enough to secure victory, as Mervin Boji’s added-time goal turned out to be only a consolation as Stellies came short of backing up their trophy success.
The Buccaneers mentor told the media that he was excited to make a return to the competition, and he appreciates the opportunity afforded to him to work with all the players.
“We had a good experience one year ago, not only because we managed to lift the trophy, but also because of the friendship and camaraderie we created for the three or four days that we were together,” Riveiro said yesterday.
“It is exciting to meet the new players and the ones that I already know, like Ashley. I look forward to an exciting weekend.”
Locked in ✅
Here's the Carling All-Stars starting XI set to face @Magesi_FC on Saturday 21 December at Orlando Stadium.
Tickets for this match are available at TicketPro outlets and online for R50: https://t.co/KMnanOyWUU pic.twitter.com/31KrklH7zb
Riveiro, while with Pirates, suffered a 3-2 loss to Clinton Larsen and his charges in the quarter-finals of the ‘Beer Cup’.
Asked about this clash being an ideal time for him to avenge that loss, the Spaniard was rather calm and focused on the task at hand, but sent out a warning for their upcoming fixture against Magesi later this month in the league.
“I think it’s different. It’s true that they are a team that eliminated us from the competition early, but I also think we arrived 45 minutes late in the game. It was a difficult and strange day.
“I don’t see this match as an opportunity to get revenge.
“We will have our own chance on the 29th (December), but this Saturday is an opportunity especially for the guys to put up a good show – also understanding that Magesi is a good definition of the word team.”