Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has explained why the club’s new signings are yet to feature this season.
Riveiro stuck to his players that earned them a place in the CAF Champions League qualifiers as runners-up in the league and won two domestic trophies in their opening two games of the 2024/25 season.
They beat SuperSport United 3-1 and drew 0-0 against Disciples FC in their first leg CAF Champions League preliminary round fixture in Mauritius last week.
Ahead of the return leg at Orlando Stadium this evening, Riveiro was asked why their new recruits who feature in pre-season have not been afforded chances yet.
“Obviously there’s always one reason why I play some players and not others, I don’t see the players like new ones or not new ones, we just try to go to games and play as good as we can, with the resources and players we have available,” Riveiro said.
“I’m not thinking… I don’t see any difference between new players or players who were here one or two years ago – we are all part of the same team. We have a really big squad. The players, all they can do is work as hard as possible, be patient, wait for opportunities.
“Everybody in the squad is capable for playing for this team and yeah – it’s about patience, wait for your chance to play, whether you are new or not new.”
Pirates host the Malagasy Premier League champions tonight at 19h30.
