Riveiro On Stellenbosch Test, Squad Depth
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has shared his thoughts on the type of game he expects from Stellenbosch ahead of the two sides’ meeting and weighed in on his squad depth as they are still in contention for three competitions.
The title-chasing Buccaneers will take on the Cape Winelands outfit at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday (19:30), having lost the first meeting courtesy of a Devin Titus solitary strike at Orlando Stadium last year in December.
Riveiro’s men are yet to clinch maximum points away to Stellies in the mother city, with their only win coming in the MTN8 semi-finals in September 2023. Under the Spaniard in the league, Pirates have only beaten The Maroons once.
Now, the Bucs mentor is wary of the threat posed by a formidable Stellenbosch side keen to return to Africa next season, after making their debut this term and currently in the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederations Cup where they are set to face Egyptian giants Zamalek SC.
“Tough opponent, another game away from home, we have a busy month on the road, and I think we haven’t managed to get a league victory in Stellenbosch during my time here. We only won one time in the MTN8,” Riveiro said.
“We know it’s a difficult team to play against, excellent players and a really good coaching staff, so we know it’s going to be a tough one in the physical and tactical aspect as well. But we will try to be at our best one more time.”
With the Soweto giants reluctant to beef up their squad in the past January transfer window, Riveiro says he is happy with the players at his disposal despite parting ways with several players without bringing in any replacements while competing on all fronts.
“I have 37 players in the squad, can you imagine? In most of the competitions around the world, you cannot have more than 25 – we have 37. So, the number cannot be a problem, we have quality in every department and every position,” the Spanish tactician added.
“This team is not about who’s playing so far, it’s about staying together, trying to be competitive no matter what, no matter who is in the starting XI and so far, we are doing well.”
Pirates will be determined to avoid dropping points at all costs to close the 16-point gap on runaway log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who will be at home playing against AmaZulu on the same night. The Sea Robbers have accumulated 39 points with four games in hand.
Pic courtesy of Andile Xakaza
