Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has reserved praise for midfielder Kabelo Dlamini after his man of the match display in their Nedbank Cup semi-final against Marumo Gallants.
Dlamini was the match winner as Pirates won 1-0 at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday, when he scored the only goal of the contest, to fire the Buccaneers to a third straight Nedbank Cup final.
The Soweto giants now have a chance to make it three straight crowns, if they can beat cross-town rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the final, and Riveiro feels Dlamini performed admirably in a deeper midfield role where he rarely plays.
“We had a possibility to play Thalente [Mbatha] who has been playing that position recently and Kabelo is a safe option for us to play there, we know what he can give us,” Riveiro told SuperSport TV.
What has Riveiro said of Dlamini?
“Like you said he was not involved recently because he was sick and managed to play a good 60 minutes, I’m happy for him. Finally, you chose the right man of the match, I think it’s the first time since I’ve been here.
“He was giving us a really good performance, he is one of those players that sometimes looks invisible for the people, but he is doing a really important contribution to the team to play good football.”
Dlamini had been the subject of criticism the last time he played in a deeper midfield role when Pirates lost 4-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns but Riveiro defended him then, and kept faith with him.
The player has repaid the faith, giving his coach options in midfield, and will play a vital role in the final weeks of the season as Pirates fight for three trophies.
