MIHLALI BALEKA
Orlando Pirates are in the right space amid the start of the new season, but coach Jose Riveiro says they must still find a formula that’ll help the players to be consistent.
Pirates started their new season with a bang, hammering SuperSport United 3-1 after extra-time in the MTN8 quarter-final at a packed Orlando Stadium on Saturday night.
This win was important for the Buccaneers as it kept their MTN8 title defence alive, amid their aspirations of becoming the first team to win the trophy three times in a row.
With Pirates having been the best team in the land in cup competitions under Riveiro, winning four trophies out of five available, the team is said to have a secret recipe for winning knockout games. But Riveiro begs to differ. The Spaniard, speaking after winning his 19th cup game from 25 matches across all competitions, explained why.
“I have said it many times already, I wish I knew the secret (in cup competitions) so that we can do the same things when we go to the league and play for three points,” Riveiro said.
“I think there are so many components, and it’s our challenge. It’s a challenge because we won’t have to think about what we are playing for on the day.
“We need to understand that we are playing for Orlando Pirates, and the responsibility is always the same. It’s true that so far we have had very special nights in cup competitions. But it’s possible because – I am not trying to be modest, it’s the truth – we are in the right space.”
Pirates are indeed in the right space all round, given that there’s stability in their squad depth and technical team as they retained most of the personnel from last season. The discerning ‘Ghost’, though, is crossing fingers that the team will put their stability to good use, and challenge for all the honours, especially the league title this season.
The team’s Achilles heel in the league has been inconsistency. Hence, they finished as runners-up to Mamelodi Sundowns back-to-back. Riveiro, though, believes with their squad depth they can compete for anything and with anyone, and that’s why they are working hard to be at their best week in and week out.
“We have extraordinary players in every position, they are growing and getting better. These competitions are helping us a lot to know how competitive we can be,” he said.
“There is no secret (to our run in cup competitions), but we need to find the formula that will keep our players motivated in each and every game.”
While Riveiro might struggle to pinpoint the reason for their stranglehold in cup competitions, his attacker Monnapule Saleng has presented himself as the coach’s trump card.
Saleng, who played a key role in winning last four trophies, was instrumental again on Saturday, producing a Man of the Match award-winning performance after one goal and two assists.
Riveiro hinted that Saleng could be back to his best this season, having blown hot and cold last campaign.
“If I compare this pre-season season with the past pre-season, he’s in a better place now,” Riveiro explained.
“His performances in Spain were very good, and today he showed what he’s capable of doing. He is surrounded by good players who are doing a lot of things for him.
“He had a good night and was a permanent threat for the opponent. He looks very happy after the match; I think that will help him to hope for a good season one more time.”
Riveiro didn’t only reserve special praise for Saleng, but ‘The Ghost’, who helped the team get over the finish line, especially when SuperSport looked like an immovable object on the night.
“Absolutely, you are right – this was a fantastic audience for our first game at home,” Riveiro explained.
“The role that they played during the game was crucial. I didn’t feel any pressure even with the SuperSport goal. The fans were patient with us tonight. That’s important.
“Like I have said before, it’s nice to have them around because that gives us an extra advantage. Not every team in this league or cup will have the support, so that’s a huge boost for us.”