Jose Riveiro explains Orlando Pirates transfer inactivity

The Buccaneers instead offloaded three players in defender Sandile Mthethwa as well as wingers Katlego Otladisa and Miguel ‘Gilberto’ Vieira. 

With the Soweto giants still involved in the CAF Champions League knockout stages, the expectation was that they would beef up the squad, but Riveiro insists they are satisfied with the total number on their roster.  

"From my perspective, what I can tell you is, we have 37 players in the squad right now – quality and experienced, and good conditions in every position," said Riveiro.

"And, as usual, our obligation as a club is to keep one eye on the market in each and every transfer window, but the fact that this time it didn't happen, it doesn't mean that it won't happen in the future, of course, or that we are not doing our job.

"So far the 37 players we have are the ones that must take us to the place where we want to be at the end of the season, and that's it."

On the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon, Riveiro says his technical team reminded the players that the sold-out fixture remains all about the three points on offer. 

"We know it's very special for the supporters on both sides, and especially for you [media] – the way you follow this game is not the same as the way you followed the last game against Richards Bay, for example," he noted

"So it's difficult not to get affected by [the hype], in terms of not having a normal week, there are a lot interviews, interruptions and disruptions as well.

"So we try to keep the players far from the noise, far from feeling that we're going to play for something other than three points.

"It doesn't mean we don't understand our responsibility with our supporters, and how important this game is for them, but, like I said, there's normal preparation and we're trying to find a way to keep our confidence and facing the week with a good mindset."

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