Photo Credit - Orlando Pirates Media.
Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has heaped praise on his youngsters who helped his side grind out an important 1-0 Betway Premiership away win against Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Wednesday.
Going into the fixture having suffered a shock 2-0 defeat against Marumo Gallants in their previous league assignment, Pirates needed a Nkosinathi Sibisi header to return home with maximum points and register their 13th win of the season.
Sibisi broke the deadlock for the Buccaneers with a well-taken header from a corner-kick to beat Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali at his near post. The goal turned out to be the winner as Pirates kept their second place on the 16-team league table.
“I think they did a good job,” said Riveiro on SuperSport TV as quoted by idiskitimes when asked about youngsters including 19-year-old defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi. “Like I said many times we have a lot of talent in the squad. When you see players on the bench or on the field is because they are ready.
“Young boys, 22, 19 years old playing the first time in PSL in an important game for the team, for the club under pressure. I think what they delivered tonight on the field is something to give a lot of value and to be happy as a club.”
With Pirates' rivals and log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns dropping points in a tight 1-1 draw against Golden Arrows on Wednesday, the Arrows win enabled Pirates to cut the lead at the top to 16 points and they still have played four matches less.
Pirates have now accumulated 39 points from 17 matches while Sundowns have 55 points from 21 outings.
Komentar