Helmy Gueldich is going to add a lot of value at Pirates - Jose Riveiro

Pirates will be competing in five tournaments this season, including the MTN8, where they start the defense of their title against Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium in Soweto this evening.

Riveiro knows the importance of bringing extra hands into this space, especially someone as highly rated as Gueldich, who holds a Ph.D. in Exercise Science.

"I mean the club is looking for improvement in every area. Areas that you know and areas that you don't know. We are part of a club which is looking for permanent development and we all know the reason why we are there and it's to help the players to better and help the team to be better," Riveiro said.

"Make sure that the history of the club gets better, season after season. So, we are always looking for opportunities in every department without any exception."

Gueldich will work closely with another support staff member in Michel Bellver and there is also still Percy Moloi in the system.

Meanwhile, Bucs last season won two trophies, the MTN8 title, and the Nedbank Cup, and this weekend they start the defense of the Wafa-Wafa trophy. Riveiro says they are up for this challenge.

"Pressure, pressure, pressure everywhere. No responsibility, opportunity, or excitement maybe those are the words to define our mindset in this moment but we are thinking about the possibility. 

The privilege to defend the title. I would really like to have this pressure and privilege every season that every time we start the tournament, we are the current champions. Look, we are really motivated, we were there the last season. 

We know what it means to play this final. We need to make the first step which is to go through to the next game. 

Respecting our opponent because they really deserve that respect. It's a very difficult team, very well organized and we know that it's gonna be a difficult game for us but it's also gonna be a difficult game for them."