Orlando Pirates midfielder Deon Hotto has identified new coach Jose Riveiro’s strengths ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The Namibia international is excited about the new Pirates coach and has disclosed that the players have an understanding of how the Spaniard mentor wants the team to play in the upcoming campaign.
Hotto and his teammates have seemingly hit the ground running as the Sea Robbers continue with their preseason ahead of the 2022/23 season in earnest.
A turbulent last season, which saw Bucs finishing sixth on the DStv Premiership with 44 points, led to the appointment of Jose Riveiro.
The 31-year-old footballer believes that the new man in charge will be able to bring a nostalgic feeling of the good old days as the club celebrates its 85th anniversary. He singled out football intelligence as one of his biggest strengths.
“I have been with him for a week now as I was still in Namibia. I think he is a very intelligent coach from what I have seen and from how I have been training with him,” Hotto told FARPost.
The Brave Warriors star also believes the clarity in how he wants to play is a huge plus as they approach the new season.
“The style of play he wants to bring to the team this season is a different type of ball game, and we are looking forward to working with him.”
The midfield maestro hopes to play a major role in the plans of the 44-year-old tactician while hoping to win trophies at the end of the season and reckons that the atmosphere in the camp is excellent.
He is convinced the Spaniard has the right players to implement his preferred style of play.
“The good thing is that he has the players who can play the type of football he wants to display. He needs to put the puzzles together, that’s it,” he added.
“The atmosphere at the club is good. The technical team and players love each other, and everything is going smoothly. However, it will not be easy because you have to have an excellent plan to destroy your opponents. From our side, it will be three minds [Riveiro, Sergio Almenara and Mandla Ncikazi] to defeat the plans of other clubs.”
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