Camaraderie in Pirates camp excites Riveiro ahead of crucial Caf clash

Mihlali Baleka

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has ample belief in his troops. As such, he says the camaraderie among the players is what makes them a fantastic group.

Pirates will host CR Belouizdad of Algeria in the penultimate round of the Caf Champions League group stage in Orlando at 3pm on Sunday.

A win from that clash will be enough to steer the Sea Robbers to the knockout stage for the first time since reaching the final in 2013 under Roger De Sa.

Sure, it would be premature to tip Pirates to follow in the footsteps of the class of 2013 and reach the final, but, boy, this team has matured.

Pirates are not only hunting for the African crown since 1995, but they are also chasing domestic glory via the Betway Premiership.

The Bucs are second on the log with 27 points, three behind log leaders and champions Mamelodi Sundowns after 11 rounds of matches in the league.

Riveiro’s men lost their last game in the league away to Cape Town City. But that didn’t deter their vibrant camp, with players looking in high spirits during training on Saturday.

Speaking during his press briefing at Orlando Stadium after training, Riveiro said the players are in a good moment as a group. Hence, they are in high spirits.

“There’s no formula (to the camaraderie). I think the players are good people. They are a fantastic group,” Riveiro explained.

“The senior players in the team try to make sure that we keep our feet on the ground whatever happens.

“Regardless of the result that we collect, we try to improve every week. We are now coming from a bad result, but an excellent performance. But we’ll analyse the situation together.

“We try to make everybody part of the project, the competition and the victories. We try to be fun, and a group of good people.

“We try to respect each other – it’s a way to do it. We have ups and downs like any other family. We spend a lot of time together. And I think this season the level of human quality is second to none.”

Sure, Riveiro is pleased with the troops at his disposal – given that they’ve won five trophies in two and a half seasons – but he’s open to strengthening the team.

Pirates haven’t had a solid No.9 this season, with Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa not clinical in front of goal, albeit scoring seven goals apiece across all competitions.

“All the big teams, and we are one of them, have the responsibility to keep one eye on the market every time if there’s an opportunity,” Riveiro said.

“Teams are permanently, not only looking for the players but coaching staff as well. It’s about many things that we are trying to do to remain competitive as a team.

“If it’s not in this window, but the next one.

“We are always trying to strengthen the team. It’s the market period now so let’s see what happens with all of us going forward.”