Pirates coach Riveiro

Jose Riveiro, coach of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership 2022/23 game between Cape Town City and Orlando Pirates at Cape Town Stadium on 7 January 2023 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Orlando Pirates coach heaps praise on new signing

Makhehlene Makhaula’s introduction into the Orlando Pirates midfield brought the balance Jose Riveiro was searching for

Pirates coach Riveiro

Jose Riveiro, coach of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership 2022/23 game between Cape Town City and Orlando Pirates at Cape Town Stadium on 7 January 2023 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has heaped praise on two new signings.

While Monnapule Saleng is claiming all the plaudits, and rightly so, Riveiro has explained the importance of new signing Makhehlene Makhaula alongside Miguel Timm.

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Saleng grabbed a spectacular hattrick on Friday evening against Swallows FC in a 4-1 victory.

But equally as important to their lethal attack was their perfect ‘midfield balance’ brought by Makhaula who earned his first start for the club.

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Makhaula brought balance to Orlando Pirates midfield – Jose

“We try to make sure that we can keep the balance [in the midfield], understanding the nature of the players that we have in front.” Riveiro said as quoted by FarPost.

“We need security in the central corridor. The central midfielders gave us the security to not feel the threat in transitions to give us time.

“Orlando Pirates need that balance from behind when we have wide offensive fullbacks.

“What’s important for us is to give them time on the ball and spend more time in the half of the opponent. Our central midfielders did a fantastic job same as the centre backs.”

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Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro returns to the dugout for his side this evening. Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

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Thrashing leaves Middendorp’s Swallows in deep waters

“You play Orlando Pirates now after they lost, it will not [be] an easy game. You must be realistic, if you get something out of that game you’d have achieved.” Middendorp told Sowetan.

“I don’t think 30 points will be enough. Maritzburg will get a win … don’t forget about Marumo. We are six points away from reaching 30 points and we still have to play direct rivals [in Maritzburg and Marumo] in the relegation fight.

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Thembinkosi Lorch in action for Orlando Pirates against Kaizer Chiefs. Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix.