Jose Riveiro Dismisses Suggestions of Squad Rotation in Orlando Pirates' Draw Against Royal AM
Key Highlights :
Orlando Pirates were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Royal AM on Wednesday night, thanks to an own goal by Elias Pelembe and later equaliser by Menzi Masuku. Head coach Jose Riveiro made seven changes to the squad that defeated TS Galaxy 2-1 on Sunday, including handing a long-awaited debut to 17-year-old DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) starlet Relebohile Ratomo, whose shot at goal deflected off Pelembe to open the scoring for Pirates.
When asked if the match presented a perfect opportunity to give fringe players a chance, Riveiro responded: “Rele [Relebohile Ratomo] is a Pirates player, he has been with us and he’s been in our mind and under control the whole season. He is going through his development process as a youngster and as a young player that he is and I have nothing to say about his performance, the guy was talking on the field.”
Riveiro was quick to dismiss any suggestions that the selection of certain players such as Ratomo was due to squad rotation, stating: “If I played Rele in the starting eleven today, understanding how important the game is or was for us, I’m not here to give chances to players, I’m here to win games and help the team to win games. Rele was on the field to help the team, to help us win the game, not to get a chance or if he’s good, I’m not thinking about that. If the player is ready, he is ready. If it’s the first time he plays, it's anecdotic.”
The draw brings an end to an impressive seven-match winning streak for Riveiro’s side. Pirates now turn their attention to the Nedbank Cup where they meet rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the semi-final clash of the competition to be played at FNB Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off is at 15:00.
Riveiro has proven himself to be a master tactician and a shrewd decision maker, and his selections have been vindicated by the team’s impressive run of form. He has shown himself to be a manager who is unafraid to make bold decisions and trust in his players, and this is a quality that has served the team well.
The draw against Royal AM may have been a disappointment, but it is clear that Riveiro has a clear plan and is willing to make the tough decisions necessary to ensure the team’s success. With the Nedbank Cup semi-final looming, Pirates fans can be sure that Riveiro will make the right decisions to ensure the team’s success.
