Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is confident his men will improve upfront and score more goals, and he is happy they are creating those opportunities.
Spanish mentor Riveiro took charge of his first DStv Premiership match and led his men to a 1-0 victory over chaotic Swallows FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
The truth is Pirates should have scored more goals as they created a host of chances, but failed to bury them.
Though Pirates' new Cameroonian striker Bienvenu Eva Nga scored the only goal in the match, he could have at least ended his debut match with a brace.
The Spaniard was also thrilled with the intensity and confidence his men showed against the Dube Birds, especially as it was their first game of the season.
“We know how the first game of the competition is. It’s usually tough. I’m so happy with the way we played at the beginning of the game. We had about 30 minutes where we controlled the game very well,” Riveiro said.
“We created enough chances and also felt super good in terms of controlling the game in every phase. We didn’t have a problem in controlling the transition and long ball of Swallows.”
Pirates travel to Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday for a Premiership fixture (7.30pm).
Eva Nga failed to score with only a keeper to beat in the second half after being nicely set up by the influential Thembinkosi Lorch.
Riveiro opted to see the glass half-full rather than half-empty and promised Pirates will soon put most of their opportunities to good use.
“We put attention in every department. The thing is, I would like to always finish the game and be seated here talking about the chances we missed because it means the plan was good,” Riveiro said.
“We played the game the way we wanted to play it. Today (Saturday) was the first time and it works like this especially in the first half.
“In the second half, the chances had a different nature, coming more from transition play and quick attacks. But in the first half I think you could see a version of the team we want to see during the season,” he said.
“Of course, I would like to score more goals and be seated there in the last 10 minutes of the game more relaxed.
“You can be sure if we continue to create this amount of chances, it’s going to happen (we will score goals). You can be sure we will score more than one goal,” Riveiro said.
