Orlando Pirates' players were not thinking about the upcoming Soweto derby against archrivals Kaizer Chiefs when they delivered an unconvincing 2-1 victory over Maritzburg United at the Orlando Stadium, Bucs assistant coach Sergio Almenara insisted.
Monnapule Saleng of Orlando Pirates beats Bradley Cross of Maritzburg United in the DStv Premiership match at Orlando Stadium on February 17 2023.Orlando Pirates' players were not thinking about the upcoming Soweto derby against arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs when they delivered an unconvincing 2-1 victory over Maritzburg United at the Orlando Stadium on Friday, Bucs assistant coach Sergio Almenara insisted.
The battle for who finishes second behind runaway leaders Mamelodi Sundowns will add spice to the derby as Chiefs, along with SuperSport United and PSL rookies Richards Bay, have a chance of fighting for a slot that secures a place in next season's Caf Champions League. “We cannot be in the mind of every player in the squad, but obviously what we're trying is focus on the opponent we have. We can't control certain things but what we can control is the message and all the guidance we're providing throughout the week.Almenara added they did had some kind of communication with Riveiro during Friday's match but added that the impact of coaches during matches is, in any case, limited.
But Almenara refused to single out Saleng as a player who's had more impact than others at Bucs this season.