Change of position for Orlando Pirates maestro?
Smart work from Jose Riveiro.
Jose Riveiro has hinted at a change in philosophy for one of his most trusted lieutenants in the Orlando Pirates squad.
Riveiro looks for goals from all midfielders
Orlando Pirates boss Jose Riveiro sees his midfield unit as a dynamic organism that needs to adjust to all game states. Veteran star Makhehlene Makhaula has been enjoying his forays into the final third lately. The 35-year-old midfield general arrived in January 2023 and has made 13 league appearances this term.
“Makhaula is more defensive, Kabelo is more offensive, but in this team, we defend as a team,” said Jose Riveiro via FARPost. “When we have the ball, we attack as a team. As you have seen recently Makhaula’s evolution, he is offensive when we are on the ball. He has been impressive for us.
“We played with two players with experience. Dlamini’s numbers in the league are top in every aspect. It means a lot to us,” concluded the Orlando Pirates coach.
Humbling day for Pirates against Sundowns
Pirates got a reality check in the title race last time out, losing 4-1 to defending champions Sundowns. However, the Brazilians slipped up in a surprise defeat to TS Galaxy in their following match. All is not lost in Pirates’ quest for the Betway Prem crown. They trail Sundowns by nine points but have two games in hand. Next up for Riveiro’s side is a Nedbank Cup R16 clash at home against Baroka on Saturday 15 Feb at 15:00.
Saleng situation reminiscent of Ozil at Arsenal?
Mesut Özil was one of the most talented playmakers and prolific assist-creators of his generation. When he signed for Arsenal from Real Madrid in 2013 for €47 million, Gunners fans around the world thought of it as a watershed moment. Özil certainly produced a string of brilliant performances and moments, but his career in London faded out to the extent that he was sitting on the bench as an unused substitute despite being the club’s highest earner. Talk about a waste of resources. The reason for his exodus wasn’t disclosed but the consensus was that the talented German fell out with manager Unai Emery, the man who replaced the iconic figure of Arsène Wenger.
Will Pirates win more silverware this season?
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