Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro says it was his game plan to introduce rising star attacker Relebohile Mofokeng in the second half as the youngster produced another game-changing performance off the bench for the second time in a cup final in the MTN8 final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. 

Like last season’s Nedbank Cup final, the Spanish coach yet again pulled another astonishing game plan, benching two of the most fielded attackers in Mofokeng and Tshegofatso Mabasa. 

Once again demonstrating on-field tactical brilliance, Riveiro introduced the two players in the later stages of the game, with both attackers proceeding to win the game for the Buccaneers scoring a goal and assisting in each to complete a 3-1 victory over Stellenbosch. 

Indulging the press on his risky decision of replacing a regular feature in Mofokeng, the Pirates gaffer alluded to the ample options he has at his disposal but further put a spotlight on the 19-year-old’s significant contributions. 

“We had a game plan to execute and 39 players to choose from, and today Rele was chosen to be on the bench and to come after about 60 minutes. I think his contribution to getting this trophy was exceptionally good again and not only today but during the whole competition,” stressed Riveiro. 

The 49-year-old tactician further explained his tactical decisions asserting, “In that moment of the game, but not only in that moment but during the 90 minutes he can do it but today we prepared the game to play the way we did in the first half and to use what we have on the bench in the moment that we considered it necessary.” 

In their recent games, the Pirates have seen a lot of their fortune in front of goal being brought by second-half substitutes, winning most of their games in the last 10 minutes of action. It was the case when they defeated Richards Bay last weekend via the free kick of Kabelo Dlamini in the last 10 minutes. 

Riveiro further stressed the importance of players leaving their hearts on the pitch despite the number of minutes offered to them on the day. 

“It is a collective sport, we work as a team and like I said many times, you have a look at our last games the contributions of the players coming from the bench are massive and it’s a must for us that whoever is coming from the bench, even if it’s one minute, they must die for the team if necessary,” insisted the three-time MTN8 Champion. 

The Pirates gaffer concluded by lauding his squad saying, “I think you have to respect the 11 who started the game, who did a fantastic job tonight. We traveled until this final with the cooperation of many players during this tournament.”