Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro is aware he has a squad packed with quality but says this is not the video game FIFA.
After suffering a 1-0 defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns at Esgodini, one need not look further than the stands across the media – where the likes of Olisa Ndah, Evidence Makgopa, Thembinkosi Lorch, Thabiso Monyane, Richard Ofori were watching along.
Suspensions, injuries, and general competition in the squad have seen many suggest that Pirates are well on their way to building a formidable team that could complete, should the Spaniard be given time to tweak his system and streamline his playing squad.
The January signings of Ndumiso Mabena, Souaibou Marou, Craig Martin and Makhehlene Makhaula took their season’s signings to 13 – and Riveiro admits it’s a blessing and curse.
“Obviously we have a very good squad, I can’t complain, there’s players, quality players, and a headache for me to decide which is the best one [to play],” he said.
“We not playing FIFA, we can’t simulate games, it’s difficult but that’s the complexity of my job and why they brought me here.
“There are differences in coaches because you have to manage this aspect. I’m happy to have this level [of players] in my squad, I enjoy every training session because they are so good but then unfortunately I have to choose 11 and if you see the players not even making the 20 – you can imagine how difficult it is.
“But at the same time, I would like to have everyone ready to play, it will help me to get close to the point where we want to be right now and the medium-term future too.”
Pirates now turn their attention to the Nedbank Cup where they face off against All Stars in the last-32 at Bidvest Stadium on Saturday evening (20h00).
