Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has revealed his biggest concern at the club, a problem he described as a ‘disturbance’ and a source of frustration.
Riveiro and his troops started the 2024/25 season on a high note by successfully defending their MTN8 title, making history as they won it for the third consecutive time.
However, their Carling Knockout Cup run ended prematurely in the Round of 16 against Betway Premiership debutants Magesi FC.
While the Soweto giants have performed well in the league, currently second and aiming to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance, a recent 4-1 loss to the Tshwane giants created a nine-point gap. But Pirates have two games in hand.
They remain in contention in the Nedbank Cup, seeking to defend their title, and have advanced to the CAF Champions League quarter-finals after strong group stage performances.
PIRATES COACH JOSE RIVEIRO SPEAKS OUT ON KEY ISSUE
With Pirates vying for the league title, coach Riveiro has highlighted his primary concern: injuries plaguing the defensive unit, especially the centre-backs.
He believes these injuries are disrupting Bucs’ progress. Despite 16 clean sheets in 30 matches across all competitions, Pirates have conceded 18 goals, suggesting Riveiro understands the adage “Defense wins championships” and the crucial role a solid backline plays in securing silverware.
Pirates began the season with Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane as their starting centre-back pairing. However, Ndah suffered a tibia fracture in October 2024, leading to Sesane partnering with Nkosinathi Sibisi.
More recently, Sesane sustained a ruptured tendon injury against Sekhukhune United, forcing Sibisi to now play alongside Tapelo Xoki, who himself has just returned from a long injury layoff.
As Pirates compete on three fronts – the league, Champions League, and Nedbank Cup – injuries are proving a major challenge, with Coach Riveiro describing their impact as a “disturbance.”
“…Disturbance is the right word [for injuries at centre-back],” he said.”It’s not about looking at the player who is getting injured. It’s a tough process for them; it’s a certain process for them to face, maybe a long period of absence, not playing football and different components. So that’s for me the main concern,” said Riveiro.
“We try to give them the right platform to come back as soon as possible to still be mentally strong. For us, the technical staff, the next challenge is to replace that player with guarantees. Every player is different, you cannot expect same things from different players.
“But it’s always about trying to find the balance in the starting 11 and try to find balance in possession, out of possession and in terms of leadership. Every player has something to say in the squad, during the season there is time for everyone to show the reason why they’re playing for Pirates, why they’re part of our squad.
Despite injuries at the back, Riveiro is happy with his options. There is Xoki, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and captain Innocent Maela, who can play as a left centre-back.
…”It’s time for Tapelo [Xoki], it’s time for Innocent [Maela], time for [Mbekezeli] Mbokazi. It’s time for all players who’re training well they’re pushing and ready to play. Let’s see because, again, we’re going to play huge amounts of players in the next six weeks, and everybody is going to be necessary,” he added.
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