Pirates Mchunu du Plessis

Jose Riveiro head coach of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership 2022/23 match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs held at at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on 29 October 2022. © Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix.

Orlando Pirates are on the right track – Lucky Lekgwathi

There are many positives to take from Jose Riveiro’s opening five months at Orlando Pirates according to a club legend

Pirates Mchunu du Plessis

Jose Riveiro head coach of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership 2022/23 match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs held at at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on 29 October 2022. © Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix.

Orlando Pirates legend Lucky Lekgwathi has opened up on the club’s recent performances under Jose Riveiro.

The Spanish mentor took charge at the beginning of the season under much scrutiny. But just under half a season in and he’s the only coach in the league to win a trophy (MTN8).

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Lekgwathi has praised Riveiro and the Buccaneers squad after their MTN8 exploits.

Orlando Pirates legend impressed by Bucs

“The progress is there, and I think after winning the MTN8, the confidence is high.” Lucky Lekgwathi told FARPost.

“After that, they lost to [Mamelodi] Sundowns in the Carling Black Label Cup, but I don’t blame them because they were one man down against a good team.

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“But Orlando Pirates managed to win the first game against Kaizer Chiefs. For me, I see progress with players, and whoever gets to play makes sure that they perform.

“It’s good to see them competing amongst each other. You know that when someone is not there, you put another player.”

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Orlando Pirates
Zakhele Lepasa of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership 2020/21 game between Cape Town City and Orlando Pirates at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on 5 December 2020 Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

In other news, Kaizer Chiefs legend Brian Baloyi has urged the club to retain goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune at the end of the season.

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Khune’s current contract comes to an end in June 2023 and given his injury problems of late, the club will understandably be two-minded over extending Khune’s contract.

For Baloyi however, it’s a no brainer for Chiefs to stand by their legend and offer him a contract extension regardless of his injury concerns.

Give Khune another contract – Baloyi urges Chiefs

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“Khune, I know he has had injuries and all of that. Does he still have something to give to the game? I believe so!” former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Baloyi told KickOff.

“He has done a lot for the club. A relationship or a marriage is two-way, and there have been times when he was on top of his game.

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”He was demanding money and almost left the club. He did not leave the club. So the club, at some point, has to incentivise him, keep him.

“But him staying as at Kaizer Chiefs as well. He needs to understand that he needs to fight for his place to play and not be distracted.

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“We would not want to see him going to play for a smaller club because it would do a lot of damage to his brand.”

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