A goal by Bienvenu Eva Nga on debut was enough to ensure a good start for José Riveiro in his new job as the Orlando Pirates head coach when his refreshed Buccaneers downed a disorganised Swallows FC 1-0 on Saturday.
The Spanish coach underwent a true South African experience at the Soweto venue with about 12,000 energetic Pirates fans singing throughout the 90 minutes.
Eva Nga scored after 10 minutes of play but he also missed a number of chances.
Swallows look set to undergo another chaotic season as their senior player Musa Nyatama sat on the bench in the absence of head coach Dylan Kerr. Kerr is said to be waiting for his work permit, while Fani Madida — who was the assistant coach last season — has apparently gone AWOL.
According to a media report, Madida didn’t report for preseason meets and didn’t inform his bosses if he had called it quits or not. The defensive midfielder Nyatama, 34, will be a player/assistant coach this season.
Swallows, who faced serious financial troubles in the previous campaign, had at least five new signings in their starting line-up.
There was much improvement in the way the Buccaneers played compared to last season. The Sea Robbers played with a confidence and intensity for the first match of the season and made quick, exciting moves on attack. It was no big surprise that the hosts opened the scoring just 10 minutes into the game when Eva Nga denied goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa a clean start at the Dube Birds.
Eva Nga was set up by Kabelo Dlamini after the latter’s excellent play just outside the box. Riveiro’s big mission from now will be to work on his side’s attack as everything else seemed to function just fine — except putting to good use a host of chances they created.
If Pirates were clinical upfront they could have scored at least four goals, with Eva Nga and Deon Hotto getting a string of opportunities. While Swallows were able to avoid conceding more goals in the opening stages, their display was not that of a top-tier side.
Eva Nga could have doubled his goal tally eight minutes into the second stanza. He got the ball inside the box unmarked, but took too long and when he kicked for goal he had two defenders snapping at him. His limpid effort was easily saved by Mbanjwa.
After introducing himself in style to the Ghosts, Eva Nga went on to miss probably the easiest chance when he sent his shot wide with only the keeper to beat, rendering Thembinkosi Lorch’s hard work in vain.
Swallows will feel hard done by by the referee after Tshediso Patjie looked to have been brought down by Pirates’ goalkeeper Richard Ofori inside the box with 15 minutes to play.
Swallows welcome Cape Town City at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday, while Pirates will travel to Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday.
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