Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has explained the decision to substitute Monnapule Saleng at half-time during their shock defeat to Magesi FC in the first round of the Carling Knockout Cup.
Riveiro also praised the impact of winger Mohau Nkota, who replaced Saleng. The Spaniard stated that the youngster gave a good account of himself and was always a threat despite the disappointing result, as Pirates suffered a 3-2 defeat to exit the tournament.
Delano Abrahams, Thabiso Sesane [own goal], and Edson Chirambadare gave Magesi a 3-0 lead at halftime. The Buccaneers scored twice late through Kabelo Dlamini and Evidence Makgopa, but it was too little too late as the visitors held on to advance to the Carling Cup quarter-finals.
Eyebrows were raised when Saleng sat on the bench as the players emerged from the Orlando Stadium tunnel, with the 19-year-old Nkota on the touchline, ready to take his place. Observers speculated whether an injury had forced Riveiro’s hand or if it was a purely tactical move.
However, Riveiro unexpectedly revealed that he made the early change because of Nkota’s hunger, talent, and desire to prove himself in Pirates colours.
JOSE RIVEIRO SAYS SALENG’S SUBSTITUTION WAS DUE TO NKOTA’S HARD WORK
Saleng has been a key figure for Pirates, contributing five goals and one assist in 11 games across all competitions this season. His pivotal performance in Bucs’ recent MTN8 title defence victory over Stellenbosch FC in Durban shows his importance to the Soweto giants.
“Mohau came in at a difficult moment, a moment of responsibility, and he answered in the right way. We decided to go with Mohau in the second-half because we know him very well,” said Riveiro. “He is in a very good space, pushing hard to get minutes and compete in a team like ours.
“I think he generated problems for Magesi immediately after coming in, with one shot on target inside the first three minutes he was on the field. He is a tricky player to defend…Mohau is a player that is growing fast.
“As I said, he is one of the players competing to be on the field, and that’s why we, as the coaches, decided to give him the responsibility in the moment that was not the nicest one to come in. But I think he answered in a good way, the same way he did when he came on against Richards Bay FC in Durban with the game goalless and contributed to the team getting the three points.”
In addition, the Bucs coach also emphasised his wish to give as many players as possible game time to build depth in his squad. He referenced Selaelo Rasebotja and Karim Kimvuidi, two players who rarely start but featured in the Magesi game.
…”We need to create that real depth in the squad, not only knowing that the players are there but you don’t see them playing, so I think today was a very important game for Mohau, Rasebotja and Kimvuidi… to come into the team gradually.”
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