Riveiro highlights challenge for youngsters amid strong Pirates form

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has highlighted a challenge for youngsters amid his side’s strong form.

The Spanish coach was addressing the media after the Buccaneers downed Richards Bay FC 3-1 in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 clash on Sunday at King Zwelithini Stadium.

After Richards Bay pulled a goal back in the second half, Riveiro acknowledged that his team had lost the control they had established in the first half.

He stated that these games, where opponents mount a comeback and the game becomes more open, pose a significant challenge for young players to maintain their composure and see the game through to the end.

Riveiro believes that the young players are accustomed to the dominance in the DStv Diski Challenge and find it difficult adjusting to the realities of senior football, where maintaining constant control throughout the match is almost impossible.

JOSE RIVEIRO ON YOUNG PLAYERS FROM DDC – ‘PSL IS A DIFFERENT STORY’

“These type of games are also important for them to understand. Like I said before, to your colleague that there are moments that you cannot control the game,” said Riveiro

“You just can’t because the opponent has nothing to lose and they have numbers and you are 2-0 [up]. You are tired, you just want to listen the last whistle and go home.

“And it’s not possible because [there’s] still 30 minutes to play and you have to be there otherwise you’re not going to make it.

“And that part of the process is very important especially with the young players because…I’m not saying that when they are in the DDC, they are dominant all the time because those games are also open but it’s a different story when they come to the PSL, when they come to the senior football.”

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