Orlando Pirates celebrate during the MTN8 final match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on October 07, 2023 in Durban, South Africa.
(Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)
Head coach Jose Riveiro has sent a message to midfielder Siphelo Baloni following a cameo appearance during Orlando Pirates’ 2-0 win over Moroka Swallows in the Soweto Derby.
The Buccaneers collected all three points thanks to goals from Evidence Makgopa and an own goal from Swallows’ Sipho Sibisi.
Baloni, who signed with the Buccaneers after an impressive season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship side All Stars ahead of the 2023/24 season, was brought on with 10 minutes to play at Orlando Stadium.
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The midfielder has made seven appearances across all competitions for the Buccaneers this season and speaking at the post-match press conference, Riveiro revealed that those 10 minutes could be vital in sealing a starting place in the next match.
“I’m used to waking up in the morning on the minus-1 training with 31, 32, 33 players available for selection and it’s obviously it’s a headache,” Riveiro explained to journalists.
“I want to be positive and say that it is a good headache when you have quality but it’s important also for them to accept the roles in the different moments of the season because usually there’s time and competitions and games for everybody.
“In football nowadays if you want to play, which is not the case today like I said before the rhythm in the first half was not good enough, but if you want to play 90 minutes in high freedom with the schedule that we are we are enjoying right now in football, and South Africa is no exception, then the contribution from the bench becomes key.
“So if the player from the bench is coming and he’s not coming with the right motivation and understanding,” added the coach.
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“Like for example, Sabelo Baloni, in the end, he played 10 minutes but he needs to understand that those are very important minutes for the team and for him as well, to be prepared for the next time.
“But I’m happy with the contribution from the bench.”
Pirates return to action when they take on TS Galaxy on Saturday at Orlando Stadium. Kick-off is at 18:00.
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