Jose Riveiro’s ability to win a record-extending three successive MTN8 crowns was no fluke, and that’s why his successor must not fix what is not broken.
Abdeslam Ouaddou recently took over the reins at Orlando Pirates, and his job is cut out for him as he needs to emulate Riveiro’s successful tenure.
Ouaddou will guide the Sea Robbers’ ship into a territory where Riveiro thrived – the MTN8 – when they host Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3pm).
So, given the mammoth task ahead of him, we look at what the Moroccan must copy from his predecessor to ensure he comes out triumphant in the competition.
Always have a trump card
During his three-year reign at the club, Riveiro mastered the art of winning cup matches, losing only one cup final – last season’s Nedbank Cup final against bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
Riveiro’s strategy for cup matches included studying the opponent intensely, but most importantly having a trump card either in the starting line-up, on the bench or both.
Monnapule Saleng was Riveiro’s trump card in cup matches, as he chipped in with crucial goals and assists before he disappeared into thin air during the second half of the season.
Such was Saleng’s influence in these cup matches, that many believed Pirates would have beaten Chiefs had he played.
Unleash the new guns early
Pirates’ back-to-back pre-season tours of Spain allowed Riveiro to have a closer look at his players, and quickly integrate them into the team.
That’s why he wasn’t scared to throw them into the deep end as early as the first game of the season, as that showed their level and readiness to be part of the structure.
And so, with Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis having impressed during the tour of Marbella in the last few days, Ouaddou must unleash them against City at home.
Not only will this usher them quickly into the team, but it will also enable their teammates to get used to playing with them.
Don’t tamper with the defence
Pirates’ success story in the last three seasons has been inspired by a solid defensive structure, as Riveiro tried his best to ensure stability and cohesion from start to finish.
When Nkosinathi Sibisi got injured in the final against Mamelodi Sundowns in 2023, and Olisa Ndah had to miss out on the game against Stellenbosch last year, people thought Pirates were in all sorts of trouble..
But their replacements took the responsibility and aced their roles to a tee, as they know how hard it is to break into the starting side in defence.
Sesane took his opportunity with both hands and retained his spot before he was also injured and replaced by Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who has also been a revelation.
