Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has explained the goalkeeping substitution involving Sipho Chaine and Siyabonga Mpontshane in the emphatic 7-1 win against Golden Arrows.
Pirates recorded their highest scoreline so far in the DStv Premiership this season. They ran riot as they won in an eight-goal thriller. The Soweto giants trounced visiting Arrows 7-1 at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Tshegofatsho Mabasa scored a hattrick. Relebohile Mofokeng, Kabelo Dlamini, Sandile Mthethwa and Karim Kimvuidi were on the scoresheet for Orlando Pirates. Lungelo Nguse scored the face-saver for Arrows.
In the matchday squad, Pirates only had two goalkeepers; Chaine and Mpontshane. In previous matches this season, they have either had Melusi Buthelezi or Richard Ofori as substitutes.
The Sea Robbers’ number one, Chaine, started in goal but was subbed off in the second half. Mpontshane came on in the 54th minute.
This was Mpontshane’s first match this season for the Happy People. The last time he was in action for the Soweto giants was last season in December 2022 in a 2-0 defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns in the league.
The veteran goalie has been out of favour following his inconsistent performances last season.
JOSE RIVEIRO ON CHAINE-MPONTSHANE SUBSTITUTION
“It was like a discomfort [on Sipho Chaine],” said Riveiro. “He played, but I cannot tell you how serious it can be.
“He could have continued a little bit more if we wanted. But, we didn’t want to take so much more risk.
“It’s not because of the result [leeading 4-0], so let’s hear in the next 24 hours how serious the injury is.”
MPONTSHANE CAN’T KEEP A CLEAN SHEET
The goal-minder came in when the Bucs were leading 4-0. He didn’t have the best welcome as he received a yellow card for entering the pitch before Chaine went out.
About 23 minutes after his introduction [77th minute], Mpontshane conceded a goal.
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