Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has lauded the quality of his squad, saying that he is a lucky coach.
The proclamation came after Pirates beat Cape Town City 2-0 thanks to a brace from in-form striker Tshegofatso Mabasa.
Orlando Pirates coach says he is lucky
Mabasa has been linked with a move to Mamelodi Sundowns amidst rumours he has been unsettled in his second stint at the club.
Meanwhile, Riveiro has conceded that when a squad is of the quality of the one at Mayfair it becomes hard to pick the team.
The Pirates coach was delighted to see the team fire against Cape Town City despite making six changes to the starting XI.
“I’m a lucky coach, wherever I look I have quality players, most of them they are ready to play, they are in good shape, it’s difficult for me to choose the right ones each and every game,” Riveiro said on the SuperSport broadcast of the match.
“But right now we’re involved in a period of five games in a row in a space of less than two weeks, so it’s important that everybody is ready to contribute.
“Today is an example, six new players from the last game, people coming from the bench and helping, even if it’s only for five minutes, so that’s the way.”
Chasing maximum
The win for Orlando Pirates helps them stay in touch with second-placed Stellenbosch FC. After the win on Wednesday night, Pirates are three points behind the Cape side.
Riveiro said that the club were targeting a maximum haul from their remaining matches in the league.
“We’re doing our best, it’s the maximum that we can get this season, it’s our obligation to give our all.
He also said: “The fans are supporting us wherever we go, they are really excited with the team right now. I think we’re playing decent football, scoring goals, that’s the most important in the end,” he continued.
“So we have to behave like them with passion, motivation and give our all, fight and let’s see at the end of the season we’re in what position.”
Pirates switch focus from the PSL to the Nedbank Cup this weekend when they face Chippa United in the last four.
Riveiro’s side are in the frame to complete back-to-back cup doubles. Pirates have already defended their MTN 8 title this season and are just two wins away from retaining the Nedbank Cup.
The winner of the Nedbank Cup receives R7 million in prize money and entry into the Caf Confederations Cup.