Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has explained his decision to field an unchanged starting 11 against Dondol Stars in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final tie, describing it as a ‘good signal’.
The same players started the DStv Premiership match against Chippa United last time out as the Sea Robbers cruised to a 2-0 victory away from home.
On Saturday 15 April, the Soweto giants progressed to the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup. They won 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.
CONSISTENCY AND CONTINUITY
Riveiro states that the unchanged line-up is a sign of consistency and continuity in the squad. That’s something the team was lacking at the beginning of the season.
The Bucs are on a good run, undefeated in six matches in all competitions. They have scored 12 goals, conceded three and kept three clean sheets.
“As coaches, sometimes we look for that consistency and continuity in our starting 11. It is exceptional for us that we can do it, it is something that we couldn’t [do] during the season,” said Riveiro.
“It’s a good signal, automatically it’s good that we repeating the starting 11. Fortunately, for me it’s another headache, 28 players in the squad are ready to play, are really hungry.
“Now we have the chance [to keep the same starting 11] because players are healthy, we getting good results and performances as well.
“The boys are doing a fantastic job, the ones repeating in the starting 11 are still pushing because they can feel the pressure at the training.”
RIVEIRO HINTS AT MAKING CHANGES
However, Riveiro hinted that in the next coming games, there might be some changes. This is due to stiff competition as all players are raising their hands to finish the season on a high note.
“It doesn’t mean we not going to change anymore. There are adjustments in every game, sometimes we play the same starting 11, but not the same positions,” he added.
“We got very good players in every position who are really pushing to be there. At the end of the week, I’m the guy telling them; you not going to play football, but we keep the relations respectful, and very professional.
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