Pule – Riveiro Has Brought New Energy

Orlando Pirates star winger Vincent Pule admits the squad is benefitting from the positivity that new head coach Jose Riveiro has brought to the club.

A new season, a new coach, a clean slate for all, new players, veterans like Happy Jele, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Wayne Sandilands departed and one of their star players of last season Olisa Ndah was even seated on the bench for the opening day fixture.

Riveiro so far has shown extreme professionalism in his exchanges with the media, has a calm demeanour and has particularly had a positive effect on the Buccaneers squad that were wounded by a CAF Confederation Cup final defeat and ending the season trophy-less without continental football qualification.

But it could be a blessing in disguise as the Spanish tactician now holds more time to mould a squad capable of fulfilling his objective, producing the kind of football that brings the ‘Happy People’ back to Orlando Stadium and arenas around the country.

Debutants in defence Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tapelo Xoki and a surprise start for Thabiso Monyane were aesthetically pleasing, commanding and fluid in an impressive display in the Original Soweto Derby, albeit against the Dube Birds that are in disarray at present.

Bienvenu Eva Nga was another reason worth smiling for the Buccaneers as he netted a debut goal. And suddenly from a squad that was said to be divided under co-coaches Mandla Ncikazi and Fadlu Davids, they now appear united, renewed with vigour with the perception of depth, judging by their bench and those who were left out of the match day squad.

Pule, who was one of those who was not part of the team on the afternoon, is expected to play a crucial role in their quest to bring back the glory days under the coach who was dubbed a ‘plumber’ upon his appointment – and as Pirates hope to reap the reward for their bold appointment of the former Inter Turku boss.

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“It’s a fresh start for everyone, there’s a lot of positive energy because everyone wants to push and impress the coach and I think that’s been a good thing for the team, to get a new coach,” Pule told iDiski Times at an Adidas event this weekend.

“It has brought a lot of excitement because everyone wants to push to say ‘I’m here coach, I’m a player who wants to play’, so it’s brought a lot of positive energy. I think it’s the energy we needed as a team.”

With players not even involved displaying a spring in their step during the event in Woodmead, it showcased that there’s already momentum building in their new season, but it’s still early days, the next challenges of Stellenbosch FC, Chippa United, SuperSport United and Marumo Gallants is likely to showcase whether it’s a new or false dawn.

This article first appeared in iDiski Times Edition 66, out now.

In this week’s  edition of iDiski Times we catch up with former Mamelodi Sundowns star Sibusiso Vilakazi as he talks about his ups and downs with the Brazilians, as well as his ambitions with TS Galaxy. We also hear from the newly appointed Chippa United coach, Daine Klate, who reveals what type of football he wants his team to play, and why he decided to take on one of the hottest seats in PSL coaching. There are also interviews with Kaitano Tembo and Jerry Tshabalala, as well as a preview of the highly anticipated battle between Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns this weekend. Get this and more in the full edition of iDiski Times below: