Riveiro downplays Pirates need for new striker

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has downplayed the need for the club to sign a new striker despite having some goal-scoring problems in their recent matches.  

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The Buccaneers haven’t been as free-scoring as they were in the earlier stages of the season, scoring only three goals in their last five games in all competitions.

Most of their goals came from striker Zakhele Lepasa, but the forward hasn’t been able to find the back of the net for some time now and has been used mostly as a substitute while Evidence Makgopa has been starting as a centre-forward.

In their previous game, Bucs found it hard to get a goal, which came in the dying minutes of the match as they secured a 1-0 victory against Sekhukhune United in a midweek DStv Premiership tie at Orlando Stadium.

Riveiro insists that they always come up with different ways to score goals.

“We try to (score goals), the players have more relevance in the way of playing than coaches in general. I try to adapt the game plan and all the things we do, depending on who is on the field, we are not, or I’m not dogmatic,” said Riveiro.

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“There’s always little adaptations, whether we play with Karim Kimvudi as a 10, or Romeo (Kermit Erasmus). So, we tried to mitigate our problems (against Sekhukhune), or obstacles let’s say we tried to find other ways to score goals. It (the goal) came in a combination in the central corridor, full of quality, talent of players to combine with one-twos in areas where we want.

“But sometimes we need to open the field, use 70 meters, play crosses, have a presence in the box, so we try to always find different ways (to get goals) depending on who is on the field, I’m not worried, concerned with the situation (of not getting goals),” added Riveiro.

The Buccaneers will next meet archrivals Kaizer Chiefs in a Soweto derby clash at FNB Stadium on Saturday.