Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has maintained that fielding young defender Siyabonga Ndlozi against Al Ahly was not a gamble.
The 22-year-old, who captained the DStv Diski Challenge side before his promotion to the senior team two seasons ago, was introduced in the 56th minute of the match against the Egyptian giants.
He replaced Thabiso Lebitso who’s still struggling with fitness after coming from a long-term injury.
Riveiro emphasized that Ndlozi's inclusion was justified as the defender is fully prepared to contribute to the first team.
RIVEIRO SAYS NDLOZI IS READY FOR FIRST TEAM FOOTBALL
“We have to describe what it means to take a risk, it would be easy, how can I say, if Ndlozi didn’t perform you would say it’s inexperience,” Riveiro said.
“And that is it – and if I play him, I am brave, it’s that so simple, He is ready, I am playing players who are good enough and they are ready to play. So where is the risk? And if it’s not working one day, it’s not that he’s not good enough or not ready.
“It’s just he couldn’t manage on the day but we’re not playing catch-up on the bench, we’re not gambling, we are not trying to see if it works. When someone is in the 20, it means he’s ready to go – it’s the first filter.
“We’re not travelling to Cairo after seeing people in the road and saying ‘hey come with us, let’s see’ – so that’s why I’m saying it’s not a risk, it’s a calculated risk – when you take someone to the starting XI and he’s not performing for whatever reason.
“But the players at Pirates are ready, they are good enough and ready. Eventually one day… it’s not going to be the last time that we’re playing someone for the first time and hopefully, things still work out for them coz they are young players, they understand what it means to play for Pirates and the pressure.”
