Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has picked two elements that won them their fourth MTN8 Cup title against all odds.
Pirates edged AmaZulu 1-0 courtesy of a Monnapule Saleng first-half strike at a fully packed Moses Mabhida Stadium. It is Riveiro’s first trophy on South African soil since joining the club during the pre-season.
PIRATES INJURIES
Going into the game, Pirates announced that the trio of Innocent Maela, Goodman Mosele and Fortune Makaringe were unavailable through injury.
Maela and Mosele have been regulars in Riveiro’s team, and their absence was always going to be a massive blow.
The Spaniard’s woes were further compounded 25 seconds into the game when Nkosinathi Sibisi had to be withdrawn after sustaining a calf strain.
Before the end of the first half, Thabiso Monyane also struggled with a groin injury, forcing another unplanned substitution. Nonetheless, the Soweto giants soldiered on to protect their narrow lead.
HUNGER AND HUMILITY
In a post-match interview with SuperSport TV, Riveiro explained the two attributes that helped the team emerge victorious amidst all the challenges.
“I’m so glad to play a final with a club like Pirates, with the support behind us. The way the players approached the game, we followed the difficulties we suffered in the last two weeks.
“And how did we manage to compose ourselves and compete in this way [is amazing]. So I’m a really proud coach,” Riveiro said.
He admitted the Sibisi injury posed a big challenge as the former Golden Arrows defence stalwart has been exceptional for the Buccaneers.
“It’s a big problem, obviously the first ball of the game, we suffered an injury in one department where we were having problems recently.
“But you see the guys how they didn’t lose the focus. They didn’t lose the plan. It doesn’t matter who’s coming to the starting eleven. They are all training well. They are humble and hungry at the same time. The result is what it is,” he added.
Riveiro reiterated the two elements – hunger and humility, saying there was an understanding of the broader vision of the club amongst the players.
“They are humble, they know what they are representing, and they do it with passion every day. At the same time, they are hungry and showed that….”
