One eye on the cup final? José Riveiro explains ‘masterclass’ team selection in Soweto Derby victory
MASTERCLASS José Riveiro's (right) bold team selection of young talents led Orlando Pirates to a 2-1 Soweto Derby victory over Kaizer Chiefs, showcasing the club's rising power in South African football. Picture: Itumeleng English/ Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English/ Independent Media
Though he may be leaving his post as Orlando Pirates coach at the end of the season, José Riveiro has laid the foundations for the Sea Robbers to become an even greater force in South African football.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Pirates’ 2-1 Betway Premiership win over Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby over the weekend was the number of youngsters who took to the field for Riveiro.
Relebohile Mofokeng, 20, Mohau Nkota, 20, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, 19, started the match. Later, Simphiwe Selepe, 20, Boitumelo Radiopane, 22, and Siyabonga Ndlozi, 22, all came on as substitutes.
It’s testament to the growing power of Pirates that they were able to field such a young team and come away victorious in the biggest fixture in local football.
Young Players Shine Under Riveiro's Guidance with Growing On-Field Experience
“All of us are proud of them,” said Riveiro, of the young players who took the field on Saturday.
“I am giving them the opportunities by putting them on the field because they are showing every week on the training field that they want the opportunity and they are prepared.
“You will never really be fully prepared [and] you need to start to get the experience.”
Meanwhile, Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi was left frustrated after the match.
"I believe it is a gift that we gave to them from individual mistakes, but I think we went in very well into the game, leading early, and we feel again that there is a penalty that should have been given,” Nabi told SABC Sport.
"The goal that we conceded was a counter-attack for us. We lost the ball, and we conceded, and it was a very tough moment, but we feel that when you have the opportunity to score and kill the game, then you have to do it.”