Player’s agent Mike Makaab has defended Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro and reveals what it takes for the Buccaneers to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns.
Makaab is an experienced player representative on the African continent who has managed some of the best talents in South Africa, with some even going as far as playing their trade abroad and some representing Bafana Bafana.
Makaab was once a coach in the early 1990s and with his experience, he spoke highly of Riveiro and what he has done for the club following some supporters questioning his abilities after the humbling 4-1 defeat against Sundowns over the weekend.
Speaking to Simtho Dladla on Gagasi FM’s Extra-Time, Makaab was clear that whoever is doubting Riveiro should be disappointed by him/herself. He also mentioned that Pirates would need more transfer windows to bolster their squad to compete with the well-oiled Sundowns machine.
“If Pirates win their game in hand we’re talking about six points. Pirates have got to play Mamelodi Sundowns at the Orlando Stadium and it’s happening sooner than later,” Makaab told Gagasi FM.
“I believe that could be a very vital game for both teams. If Sundowns do a double, it’s gonna be very difficult for Pirates to close back, let’s call it nine points. Six points is definitely doable.
“My only concern is, does Orlando Pirates have the depth in their squad to be challenging on so many fronts? Time will tell. I think they still need a couple of transfer windows to bolster the entire squad.
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“For those who start complaining about their coach, you should be very disappointed in yourselves because at the end of the day, this man has taken a team that was struggling, to a team that won five trophies, if I’m not mistaken, in three seasons, are challenging for the league title, they finished top of their group in the CAF Champions League and they still in the cup at the end of it all.
“I think Riveiro has done a remarkable job. Mamelodi Sundowns is just an incredibly well-oiled machine.”
