With the Soweto Derby on the horizon, Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has offered his assessment of Karim Kimvuidi after the player delivered a noteworthy performance in a recent match.
The Buccaneers will face Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday, 10 May at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The two Soweto giants are set to clash for the second time in a space of one week, having played last weekend in the Betway Premiership.
In that league match, Pirates came back from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over their rivals Amakhosi at FNB Stadium. The maximum points served as a big confidence booster for the Ghosts going into the final of the last cup competition of the campaign.
As they prepare for the final, Pirates faced Golden Arrows on Tuesday night in a league match, which they won 2-1. During the match against Abafana Bes’thende, Pirates coach Riveiro made seven changes to the starting line-up, giving fringe players a chance while resting his key players.
Karim Kimvuidi was the outstanding performer against Arrows, and he was named the Man of the Match for his efforts. The talented attacker featured in 10 appearances in all competitions and scored one goal.
JOSE RIVEIRO SAYS KIMVUIDI OFFERS PIRATES MORE OPTIONS, BUT CONSISTENCY IS KEY
Jose Riveiro has admitted that the Congolese international is giving him more selection options. However, the Bucs coach insists that Kimvuidi lacks consistency in his performances.
‘It’s not a headache [to have Kimvuidi giving an impressive performance], it’s an opportunity for us to utilise our player, to have more resources and an opportunity for Karim to be consistent, the next time he finds himself on the field,” Riveiro said.
“That’s the most important quality in a football player, and every player in our squad is here for a reason. We didn’t have any bad players; everybody has something to say and something to contribute to this team.
“There are not always enough opportunities for everyone. We cannot be 100% fair with the squad of 37 players, so all players have to be patient, keep working, and be professional. I’m so happy to have such a headache, I hope there are more coming.”
RELATED STORY: Riveiro highlights what Karim Kimvuidi must do to tick all boxes