Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has given his reasons why he prefers to start with Melusi Buthelezi between the sticks over Richard Ofori and Siyabonga Mpontshane.
The former TS Galaxy shot-stopper, Buthelezi, made his debut for Pirates in the Carling Black Label Knockout Cup round of 16 when the Buccaneers defeated struggling Cape Town Spurs with a 2-0 scoreline.
Buthelezi was brought on for his Pirates debut in place of the injured Sipho Chaine in the 32nd minute of their Carling Knockout Cup clash against the Cape side.
Chaine came in that game having saved three penalties when they beat Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final three weeks ago.
In the three games that Buthelezi has featured for the Soweto giants, he managed to keep his two clean sheets, one clean sheet in the league [in a goalless draw with AmaZulu] and one from the Carling Knockout Cup [against Spurs].
JOSE RIVEIRO ON GOALKEEPER SELECTION
The Spanish mentor admitted that is not easy to choose who will have to start with the game. He cited that, with goalkeepers, only one can play on the day.
“About goalkeepers, is the same problem as when you have to choose between Olisa Ndah, Sandile Mthethwa, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tapelo Xoki, Innocent Maela, and Thabiso Sesane. You have a headache because you can only play two or when playing with three-three,” said Riveiro.
“With the goalkeepers is even more difficult because you can only play one. We are not used to sub the goalkeepers during the game. So, if one is not playing is not playing at all.
“It’s a headache because we high level in the goalkeeping department. Obviously, anyone can have different opinions about it.”
Riveiro went on to say that there’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. He insists that they always “weigh in” on their options before making their final decision. Especially, on who is supposed to start between the sticks.
“We always weigh our options. This is to get close to winning the way we go with the process of selection,” he added.
ORLANDO PIRATES’ NEXT FIXTURE
Pirates’ next assignment will be again CT Spurs away from home on Wednesday, 1 November 2023. The kick-off is set for 19:30.
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