Pirates have ‘advantage’ over Richards Bay, says Tembo

Richards Bay FC coach Kaitano Tembo says if his team are to get the better of Orlando Pirates in their Carling Knockout quarterfinal clash, they need to make sure they score first.

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Tembo’s charges host Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

“When you play such games, if you take your opportunities you will be able to win the game and then you will be able to manage the game. Scoring is the most important thing. When you score goals you are able to manage the game and you will be able to protect them because you know you have something. But when you are always chasing the game it becomes a problem,” said Tembo ahead of the game.

“So, playing against Pirates I think we need to try and score first and be able to manage the game. But even if they score first, it’s a cup game, we just need to keep on going.”

Pirates come into this game on the back of a shock 2-1 defeat to Cape Town Spurs in a league match on Wednesday.

Bucs coach Jose Riveiro is expected to ring in changes for the game against the Natal Rich Boys. Tembo says it doesn’t matter who Riveiro starts the game with, Pirates will still be dangerous.

“A team like Pirates will always have an advantage over us because they are Pirates. So for us, we have to try and go play knowing that we are playing Pirates irrespective of who plays. They will always put out a good side and they also have a very good coach,” he added.

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“What’s important is the performance on the day which make us win the game. Because that is very key irrespective of who they put out there. We need to go out there and play to win. It’s a cup game, there are no second chances.”