In the three friendlies Pirates have played in Spain, coach Jose Riveiro has given several youngsters such as 19-year-old winger Mohau Nkota, 17-year-old utility fullback Dimpho Madalane and 23-year-old goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla opportunities to showcase what they can offer.
Riveiro implied that to him age is just a number at Pirates. “The possibility to play at Pirates doesn’t depend on your age. If you are good enough and you are ready, and we feel that you can contribute, you will get your chance. We really need to check these young boys if they are already in a good position sooner than later to fight for minutes in competitive matches,” he said after the game against Granada.
Riveiro also gave a report card assessing their display against the team. “Granada are going to play in La Liga 2, [which] is very physical and rough but I think we coped very well with their physicality. I think we were brave, even when they tried to be vertical behind us... it was a nice challenge and a good opportunity for us to test ourselves in those circumstances,” he said.
The Sea Robbers are expected to return to SA on Sunday as they officially launch their 2024/25 season’s jersey at Orlando Stadium on Monday.
Bucs eager to finish preseason tour unbeaten
Pirates face Al Sadd in Malaga for their last match
Image: Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates will be eager to wrap up their Spanish preseason tour in fine style by maintaining their unbeaten streak when they face Qatari champions Al Sadd in Malaga at 7pm on Friday night.
Pirates have displayed some brilliant football during their preseason tour in Spain, scoring five goals from three games, conceding three. In their first game in Spain last Friday, the Buccaneers drew 2-all against Wayne Rooney-coached English second-tier outfit Plymouth Argyle before stunning Spanish La Liga side Sevilla 2-0 at their training base on Monday.
On Wednesday, the Sea Robbers managed a 1-all stalemate against Granada, who were relegated from La Liga last season. New Angolan winger Gilberto found the back of the net for Pirates after he was teed up by Patrick Maswanganyi in the 19th minute. Israeli striker Shon Zalman Weissman levelled matters three minutes later.
Timm, Dlamini thrilled to see Bucs beat Sevilla in friendly
In the three friendlies Pirates have played in Spain, coach Jose Riveiro has given several youngsters such as 19-year-old winger Mohau Nkota, 17-year-old utility fullback Dimpho Madalane and 23-year-old goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla opportunities to showcase what they can offer.
Riveiro implied that to him age is just a number at Pirates. “The possibility to play at Pirates doesn’t depend on your age. If you are good enough and you are ready, and we feel that you can contribute, you will get your chance. We really need to check these young boys if they are already in a good position sooner than later to fight for minutes in competitive matches,” he said after the game against Granada.
Riveiro also gave a report card assessing their display against the team. “Granada are going to play in La Liga 2, [which] is very physical and rough but I think we coped very well with their physicality. I think we were brave, even when they tried to be vertical behind us... it was a nice challenge and a good opportunity for us to test ourselves in those circumstances,” he said.
The Sea Robbers are expected to return to SA on Sunday as they officially launch their 2024/25 season’s jersey at Orlando Stadium on Monday.
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