As the tumultuous aftermath of Jose Riveiro’s departure lingers, Orlando Pirates find themselves in a challenging position ahead of their crucial Premiership match against a desperate SuperSport United this Tuesday at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The club settled for a disappointing 1-1 draw against TS Galaxy on Saturday, and it appears they are suffering from what some are calling ‘post-Riveiro depression’. Under the stewardship of interim coach Mandla Ncikazi, progress appears to have stalled.
The transition from the Riveiro-era has been anything but seamless. Against TS Galaxy, the Buccaneers struggled for composure and failed to maintain control when it mattered most.
“It’s disappointing that, in the end, we had to settle for a draw after conceding a last-minute goal,” said Ncikazi.
While acknowledging the frustration of the result, he also embraced the opportunity to develop younger talent within the squad.
“I’m thinking that we paid the school fees for continuity. It’s not their fault. I thought we controlled the match, but it is what it is.”
The sentiment expressed by the coach reflects the delicate balance of fostering youth, while striving for immediate results in a league that allows little room for error.
“I don’t think the experience given to the youngsters is a loss to them. It’s just a bitter pill to swallow.”
🎙 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐭 : Rayaan Jacobs
“We have to match Supersport’s motivation tomorrow, that’s the bottom line ”
🆚 @supersport_unitedfc
🗓️ 20 May 2025
⌛ 19:30
🏟️ New Peter Mokaba Stadium
📺 @supersporttv⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/MUYnsExb89
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) May 19, 2025
The upcoming clash against SuperSport United now carries significant weight for the Pirates. A victory could provide the much-needed revitalisation of their campaign and help rebuild trust among their supporters.
With many lessons learned on the pitch, the Pirates’ focus must now pivot towards reclaiming their identity. As the club navigates through its current challenges, the true test will be not only to secure points but also to restore the morale and confidence that seem to have waned since Riveiro’s departure.
SuperSport have no suspension concerns, but midfielder Grant Margeman remains sidelined by a long-term injury, having suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Pirates, meanwhile, will be without key player Relebohile Mofokeng, who is suspended, while teammates Olisa Ndah, Thabiso Lebiso, Thabiso Lebitso and Zakhele Lepasa are all on the injury list.
SuperSport interim coach Andre Arendse remarked: “It (Pirates drawing at home against Galaxy) is a positive, but you’re still coming up against a real quality side.
“They are going to give you nothing, or very little, and we’re going to have to work for what we want to get out of that game.
“So for us, it’s a little bit different, because we can’t afford to lose the game. That’s the bottom line. And a win is even more important.
“So, we’re going to have to work with the team along those lines. We’ll have a look at Pirates, and we’ll see where we need to do things. But I go into that game a lot more positive, based on that second half.”
