Future bright for Pirates – coach
JOSE Riveiro has dangled a juicy carrot in front of his Orlando Pirates players ahead of next season after they punched above their weight in his first term in charge of the Buccaneers.
Crowned the kings of African football 28 years ago, Pirates have struggled in recent years, failing to even qualify for the Caf Champions League.
But that has changed this season. The Sea Robbers finished as bridesmaids to sixth-time successive Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns this season as they closed their campaign in some style when they hammered AmaZulu FC 4-0 to reach the promised land – the Champions League.
Pirates' win against Usuthu was secured by goals from Thabiso Monyane, Monnapule Saleng, Relebohile Ratomo and Kabelo Dlamini.
Coach Riveiro, though, credited the entire squad for working together for a common course.
“I am looking for rooms to improve because there are rooms to improve – absolutely,” Riveiro said.
“I am happy with the progression of the team and every individual – regulars or not. Everyone is working in a fantastic way.
“Obviously we want to take the titles as well; we are competitive people and we want to touch the silver now and again.
“Being at Pirates gives me the opportunity to be in those crucial games. But it's not only about me, but everyone around – the structure, level of the players, and good job as a collective.”
Thanks to that collective effort, Pirates are set to play in the season's crucial games more than any team – including Sundowns.
Pirates played in and won the MTN8 final to collect their first trophy of the season, while they are in the Nedbank Cup final where they will face Sekhukhune United at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.
“We don't measure our level of success because of the titles,” Riveiro said.
“As the coaches, we think about today and we have one eye in the near future. I think we have reasons to be optimistic about what's coming for us.
“We'll start again in two months' time with zero points. I think what we achieved this season is very important.
“We have one more game, with one more trophy that is in our hands to get. But still, that's not enough.”
That's why Riveiro has challenged his troops to use the little success they've tasted this season to motivate them to challenge for everything next season.
“We want to go forward and challenge for everything next season as we'll be starting with zero points (in the league),” he said.
“For that we need to be curious, self-critic(al) and look deeper to understand what happened this season – ups and downs.”
Pirates are expected to learn from their shortcomings, while they'll want to build from their positive moments, which includes the rise of Saleng.
The Bafana Bafana international had a season to remember at Pirates after returning from a loan stint at Swallows FC, scoring 11 league goals and registering eight assists.
He's been so impressive that he's nominated for four PSL awards, including the coveted Footballer of the Season gong.
“His season is just excellent. What can I say about the boy?” Riveiro said after Saleng racked up two assists and a goal in Pirates' win over AmaZulu.
“(Saturday) he had an opportunity to showcase his talent and he doesn't want to lose the chance (of winning the award), and that's why he contributed one more time.”