Orlando Pirates’ Jose Riveiro confident in defensive depth despite Olisa Ndah's Injury
Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro believes the Soweto giants have sufficient cover at the back following the injury of influential centre-back Olisa Ndah.
Ndah, who has been a vital cog in the heart of defence for the Buccaneers in the new season, has been ruled out of action for the rest of the year due to an injury he suffered in a league game against Polokwane City last month.
The Sea Robbers are gearing up to lock horns against newly promoted Betway Premiership outfit Magesi FC in a Carling Knock-out clash on Saturday.
The Spanish tactician said the Pirates' medical team was around the clock to ensure that the defender came back as soon as possible, adding that their minds were on players who were available.
“The fact that Olisa is not going to be around for a long time is something that we cannot change, so people who are taking care of him and our other injured players are all working to make it possible that they are back as soon as possible," said Riveiro as per SABC Sport.
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"But our minds are on the players who are available, and the players who can (step in), and they are ready as they showed in the [MTN8] final."
Riveiro added that the Soweto giants had they had international players like Nkosinathi Sibisi waiting in the wings to fill the void.
"As in the case of Nkosinathi Sibisi delivering a good performance in the final, it talks a lot about the readiness within the squad, both conditionally and mentally, to immediately perform.
"That's one of the strengths in our squad, and we're going to find a way to continue being a team that is not depending on one or two players,“ Riveiro added.
The Sea Robbers recently made history as the first team to win the MTN 8 title three times in a row after winning the MTN 8 title in Durban earlier this month.
They are also looking to add the Carling Knockout Cup to their trophy cabinet.
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IOL Sport