Soweto Derby: Jose Riveiro Demanding Orlando Pirates Excellence in Lead Up to Kaizer Chiefs Showdown

• The Soweto Derby is inching closer with each team in contrasting form
• Jose Riveiro has spoken of taking maximum points in an important week
• Orlando Pirates are unbeaten this year while Kaizer Chiefs are yet to score

The two Soweto Giants begin their build-up to the derby in contrasting mindsets.

While Cavin Johnson fights off increasing criticism of his Kaizer Chiefs, Jose Riveiro is building mental fortitude.

Both have midweek assignments against two varied opponents, which will act as a starter to Saturday afternoon's main course.

Orlando Pirates have yet to lose this season, earning a draw with Mamelodi Sundowns despite being down to 10 men, and then comfortably seeing off a lower-division side in the Nedbank Cup.

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They ground out a 1-0 result against a stubborn Polokwane City at the weekend and Riveiro wants three more points against strugglers Cape Town Spurs on Wednesday night.

Spurs knocked Pirates out of the Carling Knockout Cup earlier this season and Riveiro will not accept a repeat of that result at Orlando Stadium.

Explaining the need to stay in the race for second place with SuperSport United and Cape Town City, SowetanLive quoted the Spaniard as saying:

"We go game by game but we know that this is a crucial moment of the season. We can't miss our chances. We have to take that opportunity to narrow the gap and maybe leapfrog one of them."

On Tuesday night, Chiefs welcome Golden Arrows to the FNB Stadium. Chiefs may not have scored this year, but Arrows are in a worse vain of form having not won a game since they beat Chiefs in Cavin Johnson's first match in charge back in October.

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The Amakhosi interim coach noted that teams raise their game when playing Chiefs, and Mabhuti Khenyeza will hope he can summon that extra desire, lest he find himself on the managerial chopping block.

Reliving the last Soweto Derby

Sports Brief earlier compiled a list of the best moments from the last Soweto Derby.

Patrick Maswanganyi and Thembinkosi Lorch were the stars of the show in a 1-0 win.

The match was Johnson's third in charge and Chiefs fans will demand an improvement.