With Mamelodi Sundowns having the luxury of being able to play two different teams in different tournaments, Orlando Pirates head coach José Riveiro says that this approach will not work for his side. The statement came as Riveiro weighed in on the challenges of squad management and the demands of competing in multiple competitions at the same time.
Mamelodi Sundowns have set a new standard for South African football with their remarkable depth, both in terms of quality and quantity. The club’s ability to rotate their squad effectively across domestic leagues, CAF Champions League campaigns, and cup competitions has seen them dominate local football and maintain strong performances on the continental stage. Sundowns have often made headlines with their ability to field two separate teams for different matches on the same weekend, a luxury granted by their deep roster and the talent pool at their disposal.
On the other hand, Orlando Pirates, another giant of South African football, are not quite in the same position when it comes to squad depth. Riveiro, who has been at the helm of the Buccaneers since 2022, understands the limitations his team faces and how critical it is to manage player fatigue while still aiming for success in multiple tournaments.
Riveiro acknowledged that while Sundowns’ ability to rotate players without a significant drop in performance is impressive, it’s a luxury that his squad simply does not possess. “We’re working hard to improve our depth, but at the moment, we do not have the same kind of resources that Sundowns have,” said Riveiro. “We cannot afford to play two separate teams in different tournaments and maintain the same level of performance. For us, it’s about getting the right balance between competition, player fitness, and squad rotation.”
Orlando Pirates, like many clubs across Africa, face the challenge of balancing domestic league commitments with continental competitions like the CAF Confederation Cup and the CAF Champions League. The club is also involved in South Africa’s prestigious Nedbank Cup and MTN 8, which means Riveiro must navigate through a packed schedule with a smaller pool of players compared to Sundowns, who have been able to attract top-tier talent.
Sundowns’ success in squad rotation is a result of careful recruitment and a robust youth development system, enabling the club to have not only experienced players but also emerging talents ready to step up when needed. Riveiro, who spent the early years of his career coaching in Europe, is aware of the importance of having a deep and versatile squad, but he also recognizes the reality of the resources available to Orlando Pirates.
“Of course, we have to continue to work towards improving our squad and ensuring that our players are capable of competing in all tournaments,” Riveiro explained. “But we are also mindful of the fact that we cannot stretch our squad too thin, and we must manage expectations when it comes to team selection.”
While Riveiro’s comments reflect the current limitations faced by Orlando Pirates, they also highlight his understanding of the importance of strategic squad management. As a coach, he has consistently emphasized player fitness and the need for careful rotation, especially in a season where players are required to perform at their peak for the club to challenge for multiple trophies. The Pirates’ approach, as Riveiro has indicated, will require meticulous planning and a focus on maximizing the potential of his key players.
Pirates have, however, made significant strides in their recent transfer windows, bringing in some promising signings who have helped elevate the quality of their squad. Players like Kermit Erasmus, the experienced striker who returned to the club, and other notable recruits have added to the depth of the team. While the squad is improving, Riveiro’s caution in deploying two separate teams for different competitions reflects the reality that the current roster still needs more fine-tuning and perhaps a bit more quality in certain positions.
The coach has not ruled out the possibility of further signings or youth promotions, but he remains pragmatic. “We are working on our depth, and we are always looking at ways to improve, but we also need to be patient. A lot of our young players are showing great potential, and with the right guidance, we can see them playing an important role in the future.”
Riveiro’s remarks come at a time when the competitive nature of the South African Premier Division (DSTV Premiership) is intensifying, with Sundowns leading the charge in both local and continental competitions. The Brazilian side, who have been one of the most successful clubs in the history of the PSL, have set a high bar for other teams, including Orlando Pirates, who are looking to build a team capable of competing with Sundowns at the top of the league.
For Pirates to challenge Sundowns for the title this season, it will require a sustained effort across all competitions. With a well-balanced and strategic approach to squad management, Riveiro believes his team can make a real push for silverware. However, the reality of squad rotation will likely be one of his biggest challenges.
Looking ahead, Riveiro is focused on the long-term success of Orlando Pirates, and his priorities lie in building a solid foundation with both experienced players and emerging talent. While Sundowns continue to set the standard for squad depth in South African football, Riveiro’s pragmatic approach to managing his squad will be crucial as he looks to close the gap in future seasons.
As Orlando Pirates continue to fight for glory on multiple fronts, Riveiro’s comments serve as a reminder that, while squad depth is important, strategic management, patience, and long-term planning are just as critical for achieving sustained success. The battle for dominance in South African football is set to continue, with both Sundowns and Pirates aiming for the top spot, albeit with different resources and methods.
