Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has addressed the question of whether Thabiso Sesane’s injury affected the team’s performance against Sekhukhune United in a league tie on Wednesday night in Polokwane.
Sesane sustained an injury setback as Pirates earned a hard-fought 2-0 victory over a spirited Babina Noko side in the Betway Premiership at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The talented centre-back had to be taken off the field by Jose Riveiro just 18 minutes into the game against Sekhukhune, leaving the pitch on a stretcher and replaced by Thapelo Xoki. After the game, Sesane was seen walking with crutches.
The 24-year-old has been a key player for Pirates this season, delivering consistent performances. The Pirates academy graduate has made 29 appearances in all competitions, registering two assists. His presence on the pitch has helped the Soweto giants to be solid at the back, keeping 14 clean sheets.
JOSE RIVEIRO ADMITS THAT PIRATES FELT THE ABSENCE OF SESANE AFTER THE INJURY
The Spanish coach admitted that Sesane’s absence was felt after the injury. However, his troops remained resilient, according to the coach, despite Sekhukhune attacking and missing several opportunities to equalize.
“We felt [the impact] because it wasn’t an easy situation for Thabiso, it didn’t look good at that moment,” said Riveiro. “Let’s see what it is [injury]. I think the team managed to continue with the same game plan, not changing so many things.
“That’s one of the strengths of this team. It doesn’t matter, but it matters who is playing in the team; the team finds its way to play our football.”
Riveiro was also impressed by Thapelo Xoki’s performances who came in unexpected as Sesane’s replacement.
“It’s not frequent that you have to change one of your centre-backs in the first stages of the game. It’s also difficult for Thapelo to come off the bench unexpectedly without time to activate himself. I think he did a good job,” he added.
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