New-look Stellenbosch pose a threat, says Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro

Riveiro has described the Winelands outfit as “unpredictable,” given the changes in their squad following the departures of Olwethu Makhanya, Junior Mendieta and Ibraheem Jabaar to name but a few.

The Spaniard spoke to the media on Wednesday ahead of their first game of the season at Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday.

"It's a very well-coached team, and they showed it last season. They went through different stages during the year, and in the end they managed to find a way to win games," Riveiro told the media.

"It's a team [that is] a bit unpredictable because they can manage different types of proposals – they played in a way that we didn't expect last time here in Orlando, for example.

"And we know the difficulty of playing there [in Stellenbosch], it's going to be a night game, the ball will fly, it's going to be difficult because they have very good young players with the will to show and ambition still there.

"And they have a good combination of experience in the central corridor as well, so it's a tricky team; a difficult team to play against."

Pirates also have several new signings they may look to parade at the weekend, however, Riveiro suggested – without disclosing names – a few of them are behind schedule. 

"They are not at the same level of preparation because they didn't start [pre-season] at the same time, so they are going through different training processes," he explained.

"But most of them are [ready], and the one who are not ready are very close. Everyone needs time to have proper adaptation to the environment, new teammates, methodology, and everything.

"So, if we want you and the fans to be patient with them, we are the first ones that have to be patient with them, and give them the proper time to be ready to perform."