Carling All Stars head coach Jose Riveiro has lauded the impact of Kaizer Chiefs star after his side defeated Magesi FC in the Carling Black Label Cup.
All Stars downed Dikwena tša Meetse 3-0 thanks to Naledi Hlongwane’s brace and Samkelo Zwane’s strike. The match was played at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
This marks Riveiro’s second consecutive Carling Cup triumph after guiding the team to victory over Stellenbosch FC last season.
Speaking to the media after the match, Riveiro first expressed delight with the midfield performances of Samkelo Zwane, Gomolemo Kekana, and Naledi Hlongwane.
RIVEIRO HEAPS PRAISE ON ALL-STARS MIDFIELD DEPARTMENT
“To be honest, I think Zwane, Kekana and Aubaas, how it was in the first half, the three of them, they gave us a different level in the middle of the park,” said Riveiro.
“I think it was the stage where the game was dictated and where they start to make the difference to finally find this boy [Naledi Hlongwane] and really, actually in the first half, in really good positions.”
Furthermore, Riveiro showered praise on Zwane, describing him as flawless on the ball. He also commended the 22-year-old for his commendable defensive work towards the end of the match.
RIVEIRO HAPPY WITH ZWANE’S CONTRIBUTION
“Also in the second half, playing with Kekana, I think Zwane did a good job to give us more control of the second half, not really making mistakes in possession,” he added.
“Really generous also to have our centre-backs in the last moments of the game in the second half when Magesi started to accumulate more players in the second line.
“So, I think the middle of the team, the centre of the team today was, like I said, crucial to dominate the second half with possession and to give us enough speed in the circulations in the first half.”
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