Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has explained the situation of talented attacking midfielder Ntsako Makhubela at the club.
Makhubela has never played a single minute for the Soweto giants this season. To add, he has been failing to make it in the match day squad.
His last appearance was May, 30th in Orlando Pirates’ last game of the season against SuperSport United.
Riveiro set the record start about what is happening with the player.
WHY MAKHUBELA IS NOT PLAYING
According to the mentor, all is well between the two parties. He cited stiff competition as the only reason making it difficult for Makhubela to play.
“About ‘Never Die’, we can only take 20 players to the list, 11 to the starting 11, then some substitutions. I cannot take everyone on the list,” Riveiro told the media.
“I only take the ones who we feel are going to help us win the game and may have explained this many time, that’s the only reason.”
The 28-year-old is a product of Orlando Pirates academy.
He had a stint at Real Kings as a youngster as he was still trying to build his career.
Makhubela signed for Golden Arrows ahead of the 2019/20 DStv Premiership season; that’s when he got his topflight debut.
After two successful seasons, the Happy People signed him making his return to parent club.
Last season, he was given some game time by co-coaches Mandla Ncikazi and Fadlu Davids.
Makhubela made 14 appearances in all competitions mainly coming in as a substitute.
He may have impressed whenever he was given the opportunity, however he is still to score his first goal for the club since returning to the senior team.
