Will Pirates bolster squad this transfer window? Riveiro answers
Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has shared his thoughts on the possibility of the club strengthening the team during the January transfer window.
The Soweto giants have a squad consisting of 35 players, with an average age of 26, including 13 national team members in the ongoing campaign.
However, with a busier schedule on the cards, the Buccaneers have encountered injury problems to manage the crowded fixture list.
As things stand, the Sea Robbers are not just participating in the Betway Premiership. They will also compete for success in the forthcoming Nedbank Cup as the defending champions and the CAF Champions League after clinching the MTN8 title and falling short in the Carling Knockout Cup this season.
The Spanish mentor was speaking at Orlando Stadium during the CAF Champions League press conference ahead of their group stage tie against CR Belouizdad on Sunday, 12 January. The kick-off is at 15:00.
WHAT DID JOSE RIVEIRO SAY ABOUT ORLANDO PIRATES STRENGTHENING THE TEAM?
Riveiro did not dismiss the possibility that the club might improve its squad since it is the duty and responsibility of all teams to monitor the market continuously.
He continued by saying that he has a strong group of skilled players who can accomplish their tasks, but they could utilise this transfer window to their benefit to seek out new players to enhance their competitiveness.
“I have a fantastic group of players in terms of quality talent, and everybody knows it. But again, all the teams have the responsibility and obligation to keep an eye on the market at all times,” said Riveiro.
“It’s also an opportunity for teams looking for players and for coaches to try to do their best to be more competitive. If not this window, it will be the next one.
“The club is obviously trying to strengthen the team, and it’s a market period now, so let’s see what happens from now on moving forward.”
RELATED STORY: Pirates loanee Baloni shares insights from Andile Jali’s mentorship