Orlando Pirates' midfield ace returns
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Orlando Pirates team at the Orlando Stadium. Image: @safootclassics/X
Orlando Pirates will have a fresh midfield for Kaizer Chiefs in Durban on Saturday.
As reported last week, the Sea Robbers' midfield maestro Thalente Mbatha was suspended for the Golden Arrows match on Tuesday. The KwaMashu-born star had earned a fourth yellow card against Kaizer Chiefs in last weekend's 2-1 derby win at the FNB Stadium.
The good news is that the 25-year-old will be available for Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final this weekend. The game is set for 15:30 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has essentially shared the secrets to Jose Riveiro's glittering stint at the Sea Robbers.
Riveiro is a club legend after five trophies in three seasons. What are his individual qualities?
The quietly spoken Spaniard arrived in Soweto in July 2022. That same season, he lifted the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup before two more MTN8 titles and a second Nedbank Cup trophy in the past two seasons.
Speaking to the media before he departs from Orlando Pirates in June, the assistant Mandla Ncikazi revealed that Riveiro is a unique individual who is more than a coach.
'Coach Riveiro is a very unique individual; more than just a coach, he goes further than that. He is highly professional,' said Ncikazi via FARPost .
'He takes his job very seriously. He is neither too happy nor too disappointed because where there are too many expectations, there is always room for disappointment,' the Orlando Pirates assistant added.
'So, it is easier for the players; whether we win or lose, his approach is the same. I always think that it helps the young players perform without fear. Whether the results are good or bad, he is still the same.
'He is professional, prepares well, and analyses games. He doesn't rely on analysts, which is a new trend in our teams. He does things for himself so he can create his game plan,' Ncikazi concluded on Riveiro.
WHO SHOULD REPLACE JOSE RIVEIRO NEXT SEASON?
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