Orlando Pirates Gumede Orbit College

Jose Riveiro, coach of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership 2022/23 football match between Orlando Pirates and Swallows FC at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg on 06 August 2022 Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

Orlando Pirates coach expects Kermit Erasmus to take time to settle in

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro isn’t looking for an immediate impact from freshly signed striker Kermit Erasmus.

Orlando Pirates Gumede Orbit College

Jose Riveiro, coach of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership 2022/23 football match between Orlando Pirates and Swallows FC at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg on 06 August 2022 Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro isn’t looking for an immediate impact from Kermit Erasmus.

Riveiro has already lauded the professionalism shown by Erasmus in his early training sessions but has suggested that he might not be ready to roll come Saturday’s MTN 8.

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Orlando Pirates to give Kermit Erasmus time

The coach was impressed with the fitness level of Erasmus considering he had lacked for game time at Sundowns.

Riveiro has enjoyed the training sessions that Erasmus has taken part in as he gets to mould his squad a little before they get back into action in the MTN 8 on Saturday.

Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates. Photo: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix

The Spanish coach insists that his past experience at the club will count for little this time around with much water passing under the bridge in that time.

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“Well, I found an experienced player. Smart and professional because he is in a good fitness level and that tells me he is taking care of himself and he is ready to perform,” Riveiro said.

“It takes time, of course, he just arrived a few days ago and he has few experiences with the group, with the team, and the method. 

“So, we need to be patient. We cannot think about the past and what he did. 

“We have to think about what he can do for us from now and to be patient and understand that he just did three training sessions.”

Orlando Pirates host Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN 8 semi-final first leg from 15:30 on Saturday 1 October 2022.

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