Riveiro explains early Nkosinathi Sibisi substitution against CT City

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has explained his decision to make an early Nkosinathi Sibisi substitution against Cape Town City on Wednesday in the DStv Premiership.

Pirates continued with their good form, making it three victories in three in all competitions following a 2-0 win at Orlando Stadium.

Red-hot Zakhele Lepasa and Patrick Maswanganyi found the back of the net, respectively. To add, the Sea Robbers have also kept three clean sheets in a row.

Sibisi, who have been key for the Soweto giants this season, came off at the break. He was replaced by captain Innocent Maela, who has been struggling for some game time in the new campaign.

JOSE RIVEIRO ON NKOSINATHI SIBISI EARLY SUBSTITUTION

According to Riveiro, this was a tactical change as they didn’t want to risk Sibisi getting sent off. The Bafana Bafana international was sitting on a yellow card after getting booked in the 32nd minute.

“The substitute was because we got an early yellow card,” said Riveiro.

“Cape Town City was playing a lot of diagonal balls behind [Nkosinathi] Sibisi, trying to find Darwin [Gonzalez] in the first ball and in the second ball.

“We didn’t want to take any risk today for several reasons, and that’s why we decided to go with Innocent [Maela] in the halftime.”

WHY JOSE RIVEIRO PLAYED INNOCENT MAELA AT CENTRE-BACK

Riveiro further highlighted why he opted for Maela at centre-back, who is a natural left-back.

“We have a lot of players fit and versatile, fighting every single training [session] to have a place in the starting 11. We try to find proper players for every game, especially the way we want to attack.

“The one that you mentioned [Innocent Maela] is exceptional. He can do it at a high level in the position,” he added.

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