Riveiro: Makhaula Is An Important Player For Pirates
Orlando Pirates coach José Riveiro was happy with the contribution of Makhehleni Makhaula after winning the Man of the Match award, adding that he is an important player for the Buccaneers.
This after Riveiro’s side managed to win 2-0 against TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday with goals by Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng’s goals in each half.
The Buccaneers now have 18 points, six points ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns who are in second place in the Betway Premiership. Pirates are the only team that is yet to drop points this season as they’ve won all their games.
Following the Pirates’ victory on Tuesday, Makhehleni Makhaula won the Man of the Match award for his outstanding performance in the middle of the park. Coach Riveiro shared his excitement about the former AmaZulu captain after winning the award on Tuesday.
“It means a lot [for Makhaula to win the Man of the Match] because we are used to giving individual awards to players that shine in the last meters of the game, and not the ones that are shining in the first meters of the game and he’s one example in possible means as professional,” Riveiro said on SuperSport TV.
“Makhaula’s reward also belongs to those who are working to keep a clean sheet. Like today, our center-backs usually they don’t get the recognition they deserve. [I’m] so happy for him because he’s a very important player for us.”
Pirates will take a break this weekend as there will be Carling Knockout games. Unfortunately, the Buccaneers are no longer in this competition since they were eliminated by the newly promoted side, Magesi.
The log leaders will face the KZN-based side, Richards Bay on Tuesday next week at Orlando Stadium. The last time these two teams faced each other in Orlando Stadium the Natal Rich Boyz won 1-0 last season with Sanele Barns’ goal who is now with Stellenbosch.
However, Riveiro’s side will go to this game with a big motivation having defeated Bay in the first round in September.
Article by Gabriel Hlakanyana
