Former PSL coach pegs Orlando Pirates’ woes on games in hand

Former Chippa United head coach Vladislav Heric believes that Orlando Pirates have been hamstrung by their schedule.

Heric feels that Orlando Pirates Cup success and early Caf Champions League participation left them playing catch up.

Orlando Pirates struggling to catch up

He also opined that Orlando Pirates played not a few teams at the worst time.

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“In my 20 years’ experience in South Africa I have learned that teams that are at the bottom of the log are usually very tough opponents, especially against the big three,” Heric told KickOff.

“Then I found out that players get motivated when playing against such big clubs.

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“And the big teams’ players always undermine clubs that are at the bottom of the log table. 

“I don’t think Pirates are drowning though, it’s just that when you have games in hand it’s difficult to achieve your goals. 

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“If you put yourself two games behind, it becomes difficult, you already put yourself at a disadvantage because it psychologically works on the players.”

Mentality Giants they are not

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Heric intimated that Riveiro needs to be more in tune with his player’s state of mind to get them firing.

“To be a coach you first need to be a psychologist, and that’s key. That’s a main skill every coach should have,” he adds.

“Being games behind is the reason Orlando Pirates are struggling. 

“Whether with this kind of form Pirates are still going to challenge for the league title or not, that one only God knows.

“All we know is, they still stand a chance of winning another two cup competitions this

“Yesterday they played good Pirates, but unfortunately results weren’t on their side.”