Head coach Jose Riveiro has admitted that they need to make the most of these games in hand, otherwise they become pointless. The Spaniard is correct as The Buccaneers are now under pressure to win these matches if they are to stay close to Masandawana in the title race.
“We have the three games [in hand], but we have to convert those games into points, otherwise it means nothing, and this is a personal answer, ok,” Riveiro spoke after victory over Cape Town City on Saturday afternoon.
“So, I would like for all of us to be on the same number of games, so we really know where we are because it’s a dangerous picture to see for all of us, that the top of the table [team] is nine or 10 or 12 points ahead of us when it’s not totally real.
“There’s still a possibility to get close, but we have to work hard to make it possible, but it’s still possible.” He added.
While Riveiro acknowledges the importance of winning these games, the club faces a major hurdle in the form of fixture congestion.
ORLANDO PIRATES WILL STRUGGLE WITH FIXTURE CONGESTION
The Buccaneers certainly have the required skillset to make the most of their games in hand in terms of their quality. However, although the rescheduled dates of the fixtures have not yet been confirmed, they are certain to be scheduled in a congested time for Pirates.
The Buccaneers will commence their Nedbank Cup journey against SuperSport United in the quarterfinals on the weekend of 8 March 2025. They will face MC Alger in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarterfinal on 1 April 2025. This congestion puts their chances to win their games in hand in jeopardy.
THE BUCCANEERS’ SQUAD DEPTH WILL BE TESTED
Orlando Pirates notably do not enjoy the squad depth that their rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns, do. Thus, it makes it difficult for them to maintain their levels when they must rotate the sides.
For example, there is no clear candidate who can compete with Relebohile Mofokeng in his position. The same applies on the opposite flank for Mohau Nkota, especially with Mon apple Saleng still in exile.
Mamelodi Sundowns, on the other hand, have at least two high-quality players in each position, ensuring that they can rotate their team regularly without dropping their levels. The Buccaneers do not have that luxury.
Given the limited squad depth compared to their rivals, Orlando Pirates are turning to their academy players for support.
JOSE RIVEIRO HAS TO INTEGRATE MORE YOUTH PLAYERS INTO THE FIRST TEAM
The Sea Robbers are now forced to introduce more academy players into the first team, if they are to give themselves a good opportunity to make the most of their games in hand. They cannot field the same personnel consistently, they must rotate.
Orlando Pirates had five academy products in the matchday squad against Cape Town City on Saturday afternoon.
“I have said many times, what you get from your academy players, is something you won’t get anywhere else, they will always give you something special because they feel the club in a different way,” Riveiro commented on Saturday afternoon.
“They have been here as ballboys, they were around the guys for one or two seasons and suddenly they are playing with them, they are willing to give you something extra that maybe you cannot get somewhere else.” The Spaniard stated.
DO YOU THINK ORLANDO PIRATES HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN THEIR GAMES IN HAND?
With the Buccaneers set to undergo serious fixture congestion and their limited squad, are they in a position to make the most of their three games in hand?
