Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has set high standards for his goalkeepers ahead of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season, revealing what he expects from them.
Pirates are in the final stages of their preparations, and Riveiro looks certain to have a selection headache with five goalkeepers at his disposal.
Last season, Sipho Chaine was Riveiro’s first choice, ahead of two experienced goalies in Richard Ofori and Siyabonga Mpontshane.
However, with the addition of Bafana Bafana’s Melusi Buthelezi and Sphamandla Gumede from Dondol Stars, Chaine will have to buckle down to maintain his place in between the sticks.
“We are in a fantastic space about the goalkeepers, and the squad is very strong,” said Riveiro at a media open day at Orlando Stadium.
“We have four exceptional goalkeepers, all of them are ready to deliver and play, they offer different characteristics.”
JOSE RIVEIRO’S EXPECTATIONS FROM PIRATES GOALKEEPERS
Chaine, who finished the last campaign strong, is expected to start when Pirates open their DStv Premiership campaign on Saturday, 05 August. They will take on Stellenbosch FC away from home.
“We are more than calm whenever one of them is in goal. What I expect is for them to continue taking steps forward in their performances. In every phase of the game, not only in the defensive phase,” added Riveiro.
“Obviously, it’s important that we have solid goalkeepers. We are a team that’s used to spending more time on the ball. The participation of goalkeepers is key because they are asked during the game to be involved and play with 11 players when in position.
“So it’s an interesting challenge nowadays for keepers to participate in both phases, and they are all high-profile goalkeepers.”
PIRATES READY FOR NEW SEASON
The Buccaneers had an impressive showing last season after winning two trophies in Riveiro’s first season at the helm. They won the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup while finishing runners-up in the league to qualify for the CAF Champions League.
In preparation for what promises to be a busy season for Pirates, they signed Karim Kimvuidi, Lesedi Kapinga, Gumede, Buthelezi, Siphelo Baloni, Patrick Maswanganyi and Katlego Otladisa.
The Soweto giants also recalled Azola Matrose back from his loan spell with Chippa United last season.
Matrose was signed by Pirates at the start of the 2022/23 campaign from Chippa but he stayed with the club on loan to continue getting game time
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