Riveiro optimistic Pirates can take on Sundowns for title race
Coach says there are still 25 games remaining in the league
21 September 2023 - 15:27
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Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro during the DStv Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando Stadium on September 20, 2023. Picture: LEFTY SHIVAMBU Image: Lefty Shivambu
Despite being 14 points behind Mamelodi Sundowns in the DStv Premiership table, Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro feels his side cannot be ruled out of the title race.
The Buccaneers suffered their second defeat of the season when they lost 0-1 to Sundowns at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.
Ribeiro Costa scored the only goal of the match from a spot-kick early in the first half to give Sundowns their seventh straight win.
But Riveiro is optimistic they can still challenge Sundowns for the title despite having fallen way behind with two games in hand.
“We have to play 25 more games in the league, that’s 75 points to play,” Riveiro responded when asked if he thinks he can challenge Sundowns.
The Buccaneers had a nervy start in the match on Wednesday night as Sundowns dominated, but were better in the second half after Riveiro introduced Deon Hotto, Lesedi Kapinga and Karim Kimvuidi.
The Spaniard tactician said it was difficult to contain Sundowns as they couldn’t cope with their high press and their aggressive approach.
“I think you are right, it is difficult to contain Sundowns when they are in possession in the last line with Peter [Shalulile], it is difficult to deal with them,” he said.
“It is difficult to press them aggressively and you have to be careful when you lose the ball and possession. It looked a bit tactical at the beginning of the game. I think we managed to force Ronwen Williams and Mothobi Mvala to play long balls three or four times but those are easy when you have Peter and Ribeiro, they are good.
“They were even better at collecting the second ball. We didn’t start the way we wanted.”
Riveiro was also pleased with the contribution of Kimvuidi, who was handed his debut in the second half and brought new life into Pirates’ attack.
“He has been working well, going through a period of adaptation in the team and everything.
“Now he is much more ready to help us. He contributed in the last minutes and he did what we asked him to do. He is a complete player, he is physical and can create chaos in different places.
“We cannot say much about him for only playing 10 or 15 minutes, when we are chasing a goal. There will be games where he will have a chance to show the type of player he is.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Riveiro optimistic Pirates can take on Sundowns for title race
Coach says there are still 25 games remaining in the league
Image: Lefty Shivambu
Despite being 14 points behind Mamelodi Sundowns in the DStv Premiership table, Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro feels his side cannot be ruled out of the title race.
The Buccaneers suffered their second defeat of the season when they lost 0-1 to Sundowns at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.
Ribeiro Costa scored the only goal of the match from a spot-kick early in the first half to give Sundowns their seventh straight win.
But Riveiro is optimistic they can still challenge Sundowns for the title despite having fallen way behind with two games in hand.
“We have to play 25 more games in the league, that’s 75 points to play,” Riveiro responded when asked if he thinks he can challenge Sundowns.
The Buccaneers had a nervy start in the match on Wednesday night as Sundowns dominated, but were better in the second half after Riveiro introduced Deon Hotto, Lesedi Kapinga and Karim Kimvuidi.
The Spaniard tactician said it was difficult to contain Sundowns as they couldn’t cope with their high press and their aggressive approach.
“I think you are right, it is difficult to contain Sundowns when they are in possession in the last line with Peter [Shalulile], it is difficult to deal with them,” he said.
“It is difficult to press them aggressively and you have to be careful when you lose the ball and possession. It looked a bit tactical at the beginning of the game. I think we managed to force Ronwen Williams and Mothobi Mvala to play long balls three or four times but those are easy when you have Peter and Ribeiro, they are good.
“They were even better at collecting the second ball. We didn’t start the way we wanted.”
Riveiro was also pleased with the contribution of Kimvuidi, who was handed his debut in the second half and brought new life into Pirates’ attack.
“He has been working well, going through a period of adaptation in the team and everything.
“Now he is much more ready to help us. He contributed in the last minutes and he did what we asked him to do. He is a complete player, he is physical and can create chaos in different places.
“We cannot say much about him for only playing 10 or 15 minutes, when we are chasing a goal. There will be games where he will have a chance to show the type of player he is.
“I’m sure that he will do it well in the future.”
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