Orlando Pirates may have lost key defender Olisa Ndah to a long-term injury, but head coach Jose Riveiro remains upbeat about the team’s future.
As they gear up for their match against Magesi FC this Saturday, Riveiro is confident in the depth of his squad and their ability to maintain their strong performance this season.
Strong Start with MTN8 Triumph
Before the recent FIFA international break, Orlando Pirates defended their MTN8 title for the third straight year under Riveiro’s guidance.
Impressively, they did this without Ndah, who suffered a tibia fracture and is set to miss the rest of the year.
In his absence, Nkosinathi Sibisi teamed up with Thabiso Sesane in defense, and the duo played a key role in their 3-1 victory over Stellenbosch.
Riveiro acknowledged the difficulty of losing a player like Ndah but remained unfazed.
“We feel for them, all of them, but not in a sense that it’s a headache,” he told iDiski Times, explaining that players like Ndah are missed, especially when they’re in top form, but the team has what it takes to adapt.
Depth and Quality to Fill the Gap
Riveiro is optimistic that the team will manage without Ndah, highlighting that he has plenty of capable players to step in.
With Tapelo Xoki returning to action soon and captain Innocent Maela available, there’s no shortage of defensive options.
“We have quality in the squad. Enough to immediately find the player who is going to replace Olisa,” Riveiro said, emphasizing the depth within his 39-man squad.
He acknowledged that selecting the best starting XI is always a challenge, but it’s one he welcomes as part of managing a team full of talent.
Sustaining Momentum in Ndah’s Absence
Although Ndah’s partnership with Sesane was growing stronger, Riveiro knows that maintaining momentum across multiple competitions requires more than just two players.
With commitments in the league, CAF Champions League, Carling Knockout, and Nedbank Cup, squad depth will be crucial.
“The fact that Olisa is not going to be around for a long time is something we cannot change,” Riveiro said ahead of their Carling clash with Magesi.
He reassured fans that the medical team is working hard on Ndah’s recovery, but the focus will remain on those who are fit and ready to compete.
A Team Built on Unity
Riveiro’s philosophy has always revolved around teamwork rather than relying on individuals.
“We are going to find a way to continue being a team. One that is not depending on one or two players,” he stressed.
His vision for the Pirates is a cohesive unit, where no matter who steps onto the field, the team’s playing style and mentality remain intact.
Even though they’d prefer to have everyone available, Riveiro insists that Orlando Pirates are ready for the challenges ahead.
With the coach’s leadership and the squad’s determination, they remain focused on tackling every hurdle as a unified force.
What’s Next for the Pirates?
As they prepare for the upcoming matches, Riveiro and his squad are focused on continuing their impressive form despite setbacks.
Fans can look forward to seeing how the team rises to the occasion, with or without Ndah, as they aim to maintain their dominance across multiple competitions.
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