Jose Riveiro has improved Orlando Pirates and will win titles for the club with time, according to former striker Phumudzo Manenzhe.
Riveiro has earned a mixed reception from the Pirates faithful since his appointment as a relatively unknown figure to Premier Soccer League (PSL) supporters.
It’s been evident from their opening day win against Swallows that a clear tactical plan is being laid down as their foundation, which Riveiro said will improve over time and being defensively solid as a base with a clear identity is what he looking for to create consistent displays with his talented crop of players.
But a run of four games without a win, before their 2-0 victory over Golden Arrows on Tuesday evening in the DStv Premiership, brought about questions from sections of the supporters.
Manenzhe, however, is of the belief that it will take time to improve what is lacking at the Buccaneers to start firing on all cylinders in their attack which he believes if sorted, could be unstoppable.
“Obviously, with no doubt [he can win trophies], show me another coach that’s prevented Sundowns from having a shot on target, it’s one man, it’s Jose,” he said at the Carling Cup media launch.
“I’ve got. a lot of confidence in the structure of Orlando Pirates now, they look more balanced, they look solid. Even when they are going on offence or when they’re on an attack, they are still balanced, they are set at the back.
“When the balls break down, they are set, Miguel [Timm] is sitting, Goodman is sitting, whoever is playing in the role. Now the coach has brought so much stability that you don’t get worried.
“Previously you would get worried when saying you’re going to the second leg of the semi-final against Sundowns without Pule, Lorch… no, now you are saying okay Pule is not there, we have Saleng who has been amazing, Lorch is not there we have Ndlondlo who can play in that role also and do well.”
He continued: “So with the coach coming and playing the players on merit, playing the players that are performing, playing the players who are available and being able to find a balanced team that is able to win games – I just think that the decision-making in the final third has to improve for Orlando Pirates.
“If the decision-making improves in the final third, I think this will be an amazing team. Where do they need to play an extra pass, they shoot, and when they need to shoot, they have an extra pass – it’s just the decision-making in the final third that’s been lacking.
“Once they rectify that, I see an unstoppable force, more game time for Kermit Erasmus.. the fitter he is, the more goals he’s going to score, the more games Ndlondlo plays with his new teammates, the more he will understand his new teammates and create more opportunities.”
Pirates face off against Chiefs in the semi-final of the Carling Cup, with the winner set to face Mamelodi Sundowns or AmaZulu in the final on 12 November at FNB Stadium.
