Jose Riviero: Orlando Pirates Boss Issues Strong Statement Ahead of MTN8 Final

• Jose Riviero has dismissed the previous four results as having any effect on Orlando Pirates' MTN8 preparations
• Orlando Pirates were eliminated from the CAF Champions League in the preliminary round in their last match
• The Buccaneers have the mammoth task of handing Mamelodi Sundowns their first defeat this year

For Orlando Pirates to plot a new course, they must release the anchor of the past.

Jose Riveiro's men take on an all-conquering Mamelodi Sundowns in Saturday's MTN8 final, with the Brazilians unbeaten in 90 minutes this year.

Pirates are coming off four negative results, which included a first-leg CAF Champions League preliminary round loss to Jwaneng Galaxy FC and a DSTV Premiership defeat to Saturday's opponents.

An away goals win against Stellenbosch United was muddied by the 1-0 loss, and despite beating Jwaneng 1-0 in the second leg, the penalty shootout is what counted.

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The straight-talking Spaniard quickly dismissed any suggestion that previous results would have any bearing on Saturday's showpiece.

Riveiro spoke at a pre-game press conference on Tuesday; Riveiro was reported by TimesLive as saying:

"It's done, it's gone and there's nothing we can do anymore. What we can do is do our best this week. We know we have to be prepared to execute a very good game if we want to be the champions one more time. That's where our attention is.

"Try to learn from our mistakes but at the same time we don't want to find ourselves crying in the corner."

Orlando Pirates knocked out of CAF Champions League

Sports Brief earlier reported on Orlando Pirates' elimination from the CAF Champions League. The Buccaneers were knocked out by Botswana's Jwaneng Galaxy via penalties after the match was level 1-1 on aggregate.

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The result wasn't only heartbreaking, but historic as well. It was the first time that a side from Botswana claimed a win over a Premier Soccer League side.

The game went to penalties, and with both teams scoring four each, Relebohile Mofokeng stepped up and saw his attempt denied as the visitors won the tie.