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Football Africa Cup of Nations Bafana Bafana MTN8 Orlando Pirates

Riveiro Hails Bucs’ Attacking Flexibility 

  • September 9, 2024
  • 3 min read
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Riveiro Hails Bucs’ Attacking Flexibility 

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has hailed his charges for their flexibility in front of goal, with the Soweto giants notably scoring from different angles and situations in their outings so far this campaign. 

Under Riveiro, Pirates have become a side that is capable of finding the back of the net through transitions, dead-ball situations, and set-pieces, with Deon Hotto also recently netting a stunner from a free-kick against Cape Town City. Speaking after leading the Buccaneers to their fifth domestic cup final and a third consecutive MTN8 final since his appointment in June 2022, the Spanish coach says his team’s attacking flexibility comes as a result of being on the front foot in most encounters. 

“The season hasn’t started, but I think we are a team that generates the most offensive set pieces in the last two years, corners and free kicks, ” said Riveiro. 

“It’s a consequence of being an offensive team, that is always close to the 16 meters box and we need to capitalize on those situations because it’s an opportunity to score and we have to take it like that.” 

The Bucs mentor has acknowledged the importance of being able to score from different scenarios, especially in continental football, with his troops aiming to reach the group stages of the CAF Champions League after a shock early exit last season. 

“Right now, we are in a good space there [in front of goal], we are threatening from many different angles, set-pieces, and transitions. Usually, if you put those opportunities away you stand a good chance to win, ” he said. 

“I think more than 50 percent of goals in international football comes from those two situations, so obviously it’s very important that when we go there, we feel confident and it’s also important that the opponent knows this is one of the ways Pirates can score.” 

Meanwhile, Riveiro believes his team’s recent MTN8 success can rub off positively on everyone in the Bafana Bafana camp, with five of his stars selected for the AFCON qualifiers. 

“Everybody likes to feel like a winner, you feel stronger and more confident when you win and you’re more happy, ” the Bucs coach said. 

“So, all of those things create positive energy, for sure they are going to camp with good energy there. Hopefully, it can be transferred it to the rest of the people involved, and have a good FIFA week, coming back healthy that’s all we want, ” he added.

Article by Trevor Magoro

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