As he heads closer to his Orlando Pirates exit, Jose Riveiro appears to be expanding on the club's depth, with more options available to him in the final few matches of the campaign.
After their 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby, Riveiro put out a line-up which many would not have expected against Golden Arrows on Tuesday evening. The line-up featured second choice Melusi Buthelezi in goal and Yanga Madiba got to make his debut at left back.
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Karim Kimvuidi made his first start in midfield in the Betway Premiership this season, as was the case for Boitumelo Radiopane upfront. Simphiwe Selepe got his chance as well as a second half substitute after making his professional debut in the Soweto Derby.
With the Nedbank Cup final coming up this weekend, Riveiro had to rest a few of his players and give opportunities to others who have been waiting for the opportunity. It showed him that Pirates really does have depth in the squad.
"I am not going to lie, we prepare the week, not only with our eyes in the final. We have to play two games this week. We have three days between the games, so we try to control situations we can control, in the management of our players," the Spaniard told reporters after the victory over Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
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"Today, it was a time for players like Radio, Yanga Madiba, Karim Kimvuidi to play for the first time in the starting XI. It was the second game for Melusi. It’s a clear proof that we have interesting depth in our squad. Since day one, we have managed to compete in every competition with much more than dignity in my opinion. We are going to do it until the end in the league as well. The group right now is happy."
Riveiro will now need to make a call on whether to include some of the players who stood out against Arrows in this weekend's matchday squad for the Nedbank Cup.
