The science methods that keep Orlando Pirates fresh on the pitch

Bucs head coach shared with the media yesterday, during a Nedbank Cup press conference, the best practices of periodisation programmes that they have been working on with his modernised technical team to keep their players fresh for matches.

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With a demanding schedule of competing in five competitions this season, Riveiro says science and technology play a big part in their plans.

''There's no secrets, there's science behind every process in professional football these days. If people are curious, you have a look of what top teams are doing across the globe, and we try to do something similar like everybody else. This season we go into our new space - for football players, and our obligation as the technical staff is to make sure that they can be competitive,'' said Riveiro.

 Travelling on the continent is also not an easy process.

Pirates have frequented North Africa this season, with two trips to Algeria, Cairo, Egypt and Abidjan, Côte D’Ivoire, and are about to embark on another one to Cairo again.

Riveiro says their focus extends beyond the pitch in line with keeping their players fresh for competitions.

''We are trying to explore what is better, with our sessions, nutrition and with our conditioning department. We always have one eye on the new things and things that can help players and that's where we are right now,'' added Riveiro.

As they head to the Marumo Gallants game, in what will be their second semi-final this season, with another one still awaiting them in the continental showpiece, Riveiro says the 2-0 loss to the Bloemfontein based side in the league, is all in the past, as he targets his cup final number six in South Africa.

''Nothing, it is a new story on Sunday, a knockout game, a game of consequences. Two only possible results, in other games there are three possible results. This match requires a different approach from both teams. But we will do whatever it takes to get to the final,'' he expressed.

Riveiro and his technical team also draw much strength from the 14 matches they have played in the Champions League.

The outgoing Bucs coach says the experience from this continent’s showpiece is also helping them to be a step higher for the domestic competitions.