Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has opened up on the competition for places in the side's defence as Olisa Ndah returned to action, as well as on what that could mean for Thabiso Sesane.
The Buccaneers continued their relentless form with a 2-0 victory of Chippa United at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening courtesy of a Tshegofatso Mabasa brace.
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The game also marked the long-awaited return to action of centre-back Ndah, who replaced Sesane in the 72nd minute.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Riveiro shot down suggestions that Sesane had only been playing due to Ndah’s injury and warned that competition for places in the team is stiff.
"The players want to know the truth, I can tell you. So, whenever we have the opportunity to speak to the players, we tell them the truth," revealed the Spaniard.
"Otherwise we don’t speak, we speak when it’s necessary.
"In the case of Thabiso Sesane, he was not there because other players were injured.
"Actually, we have on the bench – over the last three or four games – players like Nkosinathi Sibisi, also Innocent Maela who can play there.
"So, if he is playing, if he is in the starting XI, it’s because he is doing a good job and he is deserving to be there.
"Otherwise, there is a big big competition in that position at Pirates, if you think about the names in that line. So, he is performing well and that’s why he was consistently in the starting XI."
"But the competition didn’t end, that’s why they all have to continue delivering good performances, because it’s not easy to get one of the two positions, I can tell you.
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Pirates, who are chasing a CAF Champions League spot, are next in action against Richards Bay FC on Saturday at Orlando Stadium.
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