Orlando Pirates coach Riveiro is a hero again after beating Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby last weekend. One of the best moments of the game came from a problem position.
ORLANDO PIRATES COACH LEADS 3-2 WIN OVER KAIZER CHIEFS
The game did not start so well. Former Stellenbosch FC star Ashley du Preez made it 1-0 to Chiefs in the sixth minute. The Sea Robbers replied with a Monnapule Saleng equaliser after 26 minutes. Du Preez was not done, as he regained the lead before half-time.
The Pirates coach worked his magic at half-time. Thabiso Lebitso scored his first goal for the Buccaneers to make it 2-2 before Saleng hit the 3-2 winner.
How the team lined-up: Sipho Chaine, Tapelo Xoki, Olisa Ndah (Nkosinathi Sibisi 76’), Thabiso Lebitso (Thabiso Monyane 87’), Deon Hotto, Miguel Timm (Thalente Mbatha 80’), Makheleni Makhaula, Monnapule Saleng (Innocent Maela 87’), Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshegofatso Mabasa (Souaibou Marou 80’).
One of the key selections was Lebitso at right-back. The Pirates coach has admitted the position was a previous headache. Thabiso Monyane has battled fitness, while Bandile Shandu has missed regular selection.
RIVEIRO MAKES THE ADMISSION
“It’s not really a problem, but for many reasons, it’s true that it’s been a headache for us,” said Riveiro, as quoted by FARPost.
“Even last season, we played Paseka Mako as a right-fullback almost the second half of the season completely.
“So it’s forcing us to look for positions. We were very unfortunate with Bandile [Shandu] and Thabiso [Monyane] in that position. There were only a few times last season when both were fit at the same time, the Spain-born coach added.
“It’s one of the positions that we used to use one of the subs also, for many reasons. So it’s not problematic, but it’s true that we’re permanently, unfortunately, looking for different solutions.
“When [Thabiso] Lebitso came to the squad, he also prevented that situation. We knew that Thabiso could help us in that role; he could do it.
“It’s not that he has played 100 games in PSL. But we know he has the capacity to do it, especially depending on the game, the way that we build up, and when our fullbacks, at least one of them, is not really a fullback. So he can cope well in that role. I think the club did a fantastic job recruiting him,” the Pirates coach concluded.
source https://www.soccer2day.co.za/2024/03/11/pirates-coach-admits-problem-position-but/
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