Why second half substitute Ndlondlo was subbed off against AmaZulu FC

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has revealed why Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo was subbed off, having spent a few minutes on the field after coming on from the bench against AmaZulu on Tuesday.

Usuthu and the Buccaneers played out to a 0-0 exciting draw in the DStv Premiership match on Tuesday night at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Yesterday’s result stretched Pirates’ winningless run into two games in the league. Meanwhile, Usuthu haven’t tasted a league victory in their last three outings.

As Riveiro was trying to grind out the win, Ndlondlo was one of his substitutes in the second half. However, it left many wondering when he was taken off a couple of minutes later.

Riveiro says the midfielder was hit by the ball in the face, and one of his eyes lost vision. Miguel Timm was introduced as Ndlondlo went straight to the tunnel.

RIVEIRO ON WHY NDLONDLO WAS TAKEN OFF IN AMAZULU MATCH

“Philipp came in a crucial moment for us to give us more rhythm on the ball in the last minutes and possibilities to find medium-range shots. Philipp has good shots from a medium distance,” Riveiro told the media.

“But something happened. It was an action close to the line close to the AmaZulu bench. He got a knock…the ball bounced on his face.

“And he was like blind in the eye and didn’t improve after the doctor’s treatment. So, we decided to take him out.

“But we move, we try to go to the next movement and continue looking for the results. That’s it, nothing else.”

Pirates’ next assignment will be against the high-flying Polokwane City on Friday, 27 October at 7:30 pm. The Sea Robbers will be looking to get back to winning ways, having dropped a number of points this season.

Meanwhile, Pablo Franco Martin’s side will travel to Port Elizabeth on Saturday, 28 October, to take on Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium at 17:45.

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