Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has revealed why he has preferred to start with Makhehlene Makhaula in the middle of the park in their last three games.
After the 2023 AFCON break, Makhaula has started in all three games the Buccaneers played, two league games and one cup match [Nedbank Cup].
In this current campaign, Makhaula struggled for game time, facing an uncertain future with the Sea Robbers as his contract expires at the end of the 2023/24 PSL campaign in June. However, according to reports, Makhaula has extended his stay with the club, but the side is yet to confirm.
Overall, Makhaula has played seven games across all competitions for pirates thus far.
Interestingly, the 34-year-old footballer has been one of the standout performers in Pirates colours lately and receiving plaudits from his coach.
JOSE RIVEIRO ON MAKHEHLENE MAKHAULA
Coach Riveiro has since explained his decision to start with Makhaula in the previous matches.
The Spanish mentor went on to dismiss the fact that the ex-AmaZulu FC man has finally earned his place in the starting line-up.
“After the break [AFCON break] we started playing with Makhaula in one of the positions we have in the central midfield and he’s doing alright,” Riveiro told journalists in Polokwane.
“But nobody earns a place here like I cannot say he [Makhaula] has finally earned his place. We have 36 players in the squad. All of them have quality, that’s why they came to the club.
“All of them are doing well, and then we have to play eleven in each of every game and put 20 to the list, and It’s not easy.”
Riveiro continued: “So, everybody must keep pushing and not playing for themselves but playing for the club, making sure after the last game of the season, we can continue improving the history of this club.
As things stand, Pirates are placed fourth on the log standings with 29 points from 18 outings.
Pirates will face struggling Cape Town Spurs on Wednesday, 6 March 2024, in the DStv Premiership tie. The game will start at 19:30 at Orlando Stadium.
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