Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro is confident his players will focus on the game at hand and not be distracted by the big prize money for the Man of the Match in the Carling Knockout Cup.
Riveiro was speaking ahead of Friday’s Last 16 clash against Cape Town Spurs, as the Buccaneers prepare to challenge for another piece of silverware.
With an incredible R100,000 on offer for the Man of the Match award, the Spaniard was asked his opinion on the prize money, and Riveiro said he has a mature group of players, and doesn’t expect them to be distracted by personal rewards.
“Well, from my perspective, from my point of view, or from my position, the only thing that I can say is that we have very mature players,” Riveiro told journalists.
“So nothing will change in their behaviour because of the money prize. We have to be responsible and understand what is required in each and every game, what is needed in your role as a player, whichever position you occupy on the field.
“I don’t think that, for me, it’s hard to believe that one player is going into the field thinking that he wants to be the Man of the Match, because of the money prize.
“I think everybody must go to the field with the intention to do your best in order to help the team.
“In the end of the day, the most important thing is that Pirates is in the next round is not about who’s going to be the man of the match. So that’s the way that I see the situation.”
Fans can vote for their favourite Man of the Match by either dialing *120*660# and following prompts OR visiting carlingblacklabelcup.co.za to pick online. No beer purchase required. Voting will start as the match begins.
In return, one lucky random fan the voted for the correct MOTM stands a chance to win a signed jersey by the player.
