Pirates coach offers judgement on quality of PSL

Orlando Pirates coach José Riveiro is closing off the season just like he opened it, having scooped the DStv Premiership Coach of the Month for April, in an overwhelming majority following receiving 100 percent of the votes from the judging panel made up of football media, commentators and analysts.

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The Spaniard now wins the monthly individual accolade in South Africa for the second time after he got it in his first month in charge of the Buccaneers back in August. The soft-spoken tactician was rewarded with the award owing the scintillating form by his side, winning four of their matches and scoring eight goals in the process.

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He masterminded some incredible results beating Richards Bay, Chippa United, Cape Town City and TS Galaxy, which has seen Pirates remain top contenders for the second CAF Champions League spot for next season.

After an undeniably impressive debut season as Bucs coach, Riveiro has now offered insights into the local league.

“There were games that were really tactical, and there are others that were not tactical at all,” said Riveiro, as quoted by FARPost. “What I noticed is that there are always moments in games in the PSL that are very difficult to control from the coach’s perspective.

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“For the fans, it might be more fun because there are chances [created]. The games are very quick, side to side. But for me, as a coach, sometimes I suffer in those moments. Still, because of the quality we have, those moments are usually good for us on that side to side.

“When we have the opportunity to push, we punish [the opposition]. So the way they [SA coaches] approach games, it is a bit different than in Europe. I’m not going to lie.

“But there are games that were complicated from the tactical perspective, I’m not the one to evaluate my colleagues, but there is talent also on the bench in the PSL, it is not a discussion.”

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PIRATES’ REMAINING LEAGUE GAMES

Saturday, 13 May v Sekhukhune (H) – 15:00

Saturday, 20 May v AmaZulu (A) – 15:00

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HOW THE LEAGUE LOOKS CURRENTLY:

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