Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has explained what makes the environment at the club suitable for youngsters promoted from their development structures.
Riveiro was full of praise for his team after claiming their seventh successive win in the Betway Premiership at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Buccaneers defeated Richards Bay FC 1-0 to take their point tally to 21 points after seven matches played so far. Pirates found the back of the net through Evidence Makgopa in the first-half of the match.
In the opening matches of the league, Pirates beat Chippa United, SuperSport United, Polokwane City FC, AmaZulu FC, TS Galaxy and Richards Bay FC.
Meanwhile, the Soweto giants have already won the 2024 MTN8 title after defeating Stellenbosch FC 3-1 in the final last month.
Pirates have proven to be trophy kings of SA football, as they have won five trophies in the last two seasons. The Ghosts, under the guidance of the Spanish tactician Riveiro, have built a strong squad that includes a handful of young players who were promoted from the club’s development ranks.
In recent years, Pirates have promoted Thabiso Sesane, Boitumelo Radiopane, Relebohile Mofokeng, Siyabonga Dladla, and Mohau Nkota to the first team.
JOSE RIVEIRO APPLAUDS FANS FOR THE QUICK ADAPTATION OF YOUNGSTERS
Sesane, Mofokeng, and Nkota are an important part of the Pirates squad and Riveiro says the fans’ confidence and patience in youngsters makes it easier for quick adaptation.
“I think there is an agreement with the coaching staff, players and fans. We’re trying to play the way players want to play and the way fans want to see when they’re coming to the stadium,” Riveiro said.
“As coaches, we want to make sure that we improve every week; when you are comfortable with the idea that you want to express on the field, starting from the coach, the players will be happy with that football, especially if it’s football that fans want and recognise when they come to our games.
“It’s much easier that everything will come together; like I said before, our fans don’t hesitate about our team anymore. It doesn’t matter if we’re leading or chasing the game. They are confident, and there are no negative things about the team.
“It’s helping the boys perform, especially the youngsters. They are coming in a moment where the team is doing well, the team is winning and confident. We need to capitalise on the talent we have in the team and keep the synergy.”
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