WeeklySA_AdminRESILIENCE: NEXT THREE GAMES A TEST OF CHARACTER FOR AMABHAKABHAKA
By Ali Mphaki
….but on the seventh day you shall rest..you must rest. This biblical injunction may just be what the gods had ordained for Orlando Pirates, who face a gruelling seven days of back-to-back matches which culminate with the Nedbank Cup semi-final against Kaizer Chiefs next Saturday.
The first hurdle is TS Galaxy away in Mbombela this Sunday. Three days later they host Royal AM at eSgodini in Orlando. Just when you thought there would be some respite for the Bucaneers its the Nedbank Cup semi-final against Kaizer Chiefs next Saturday.
Its a test of character for Pirates coach Jose Riveiro and his charges, who are also on quest to secure second place in the DStv Premiership log.
They need to continue the resilience they showed last Sunday when they came back from a 1-nil deficit to clinch all three points against Cape Town City winning the game 2-1. Contrary to earlier concerns about Riveiro’s credentials, the Spanish mentor seem to have risen to the challenge and is making some of us eat humble pie.
Evidently is that the Bucs players are beggining to dance to the Spaniard’s guitar – dishing out scintilliating attacking football.
On a head-to-head basis Pirates have the edge over TS Galaxy, having pipped the Mpumalanga-based (but with offices in Sandton) outfit 2-nil in September. Its going to be interesting how Riveiro is going to marshall his charges especially in his next two fixtures against TS Galaxy and Royal AM, what with the inevitable Netbank Cup semi’s looming.
The indisputable fact is that Riveiro’s Pirates are still to beat Chiefs. No Pirates coach is worth their salt if they cannot annex the Amakhosi.
It will be a deserved rest for Riveiro and his players should Pirates emerge with a 100 percent record in their next three games. Their next game after Chiefs will be seven days later at home against Sekhukhune FC.
And again seven days later they wrap up the season against Amazulu away. Its seven days of rough days ahead for Pirates.
But unlike in the Scriptures, there will be no rest after for the Amabhakabhaka.
Ship Ahoy!
Published on the 96th Edition
