Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has explained the factors behind his change of stance on squad rotation after previously making it clear that he’s not a fan of chopping and changing his team during the season.

There has been an influx of fringe players making the Buccaneers’ matchday squad in recent weeks, with some getting minutes off the bench as the Betway Premiership and the ongoing campaign as a whole approaches its business end.

An isolated figure like Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo has taken his appearance tally to five in all competitions with recent cameos. Meanwhile, Goodman Mosele played his first game of the campaign after his return from injury and scored the match-winner against Cape Town City on Saturday.

Additionally, following a lengthy injury layoff, Bandile Shandu is also being eased back into the team since featuring for the first time against Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup, while 19-year-old DDC captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi was named on the bench alongside Siyabonga Ndlozi against the Citizens.

“If you have a look at what’s coming in March and April, I think you [media] will find the answer there. Games will come thick and fast; we are going to compete every three days, and we are going to play a lot of games away from home in the league,” Riveiro explained how his hand was forced to rotate.

“Nedbank Cup, we are playing away [against SuperSport], CAF Champions League on the 1st of April we have to play away [against MC Alger], so we are going to spend a lot of time on the road – that’s an extra load for the players as well.”

Riveiro went on to highlight that with the fixture congestion, more of his players will be susceptible to injuries, reiterating the importance of rotating the big squad at his disposal as they remain in contention for the League, Nedbank Cup, and the Champions League.

“Every match we are going to play is going to be a final for us because it is what it is. And when you play into the limits, obviously when you usually go to war you will come back with some wounds and knocks and stuff. So, as you said it’s important [to rotate],” he said.

“At the same time, we are losing some of our players because of injuries. In a big squad like ours, we are talking about 37 players in the squad, usually, there’s a moment of the season where some of the players are going to the garage for reparations.”

However, the Bucs mentor, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season, is pleased with the progress of long-term absentees and called for teamwork instead of relying on individual brilliance in their quest for lifting major honors.

“Others are coming back, like Goodman [Mosele], some others are getting close like Bandile Shandu, it’s been a while for him. So, it’s nice for all of us to see them on the field,” added the Spanish tactician.

“And if we do this and succeed, in the end, it’s going to be because of the team, we have to do this as a team. We try to be a team that doesn’t rely on individuals the way we do things on the field, even though our individuals are shining within the structure – but we trust everyone who’s involved.”