— Cape Town Despite months of idleness, Kermit ‘Romeo’ Erasmus has demonstrated that he is battle-ready, much to the astonishment of Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro.
Riveiro believes that Erasmus will be a fantastic addition after observing him in practice.
Riveiro stated, “I found an experienced, intelligent, and professional player who is in good physical condition.” “This indicates that he took care of himself in order to be ready to perform. He was fit for training.
“Of course, time is required. He arrived only a few days ago. He has had a few encounters with the team, the group, and the procedures, so we must be patient.
“We cannot consider the past, such as when we discussed outcomes.
“We cannot consider what he has done; we must consider what he can do for us today. We must have patience and recognize that he has only had three or four training sessions within our organization.
“Hopefully, he will soon be able to assist us. In October, there are five league games and two semi-finals, so we need everyone. The games are exciting, therefore we will need all of them.
“Kermit’s experience in the league and internationally will be crucial for us, and I definitely see an intriguing talent in there.”
Fans of the Pirates have high hopes that Erasmus will play against his former club Mamelodi Sundowns and lead the team to victory.
Given their Premiership standings, tomorrow’s MTN8 semi-final first leg is shaping up to be a top-of-the-table matchup.
The two other semi-finalists, Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu, are lower in the standings than Orlando Pirates, therefore it seems like the final before the final matchup.
In addition to Erasmus, the addition of Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo has provided the club with more attacking options since Riveiro has been in charge.
Riveiro appears to have established the optimal combination for his four-man rearguard; he must now choose the other slots.
Innocent Maela, captain of the Pirates and recently returned from Bafana Bafana service, has warned his teammates against “playing the occasion.”
Maela stated, “We’re playing a really good team, but we have a game plan.” “We understand how to play the game, and we must be careful not to play the occasion, but rather the game.
“It is also crucial for us to do well in the first leg because it will be played in front of our home fans.
“At the end of the day, it’s a two-legged tie, so we have to be wise and know how to play in order to give ourselves a chance in the second leg and ultimately advance to the final.”
Maela was a member of the Pirates team that won the MTN8 trophy two years ago, and as the team’s captain, he does not feel any pressure to keep the team on pace for the final.
Maela told the Pirates media department, “Whether you wear the armband or not, the pressure is the same as long as you’re representing the team.”
“Pressure to deliver and perform will always exist, and I’ve experienced the same. This season, though, I have taken on more duty and accountability within the group.”
@Herman Gibbs