It was something of a bittersweet moment, as Orlando Pirates ran out 1-0 winners over Polokwane City over the weekend, as it marked the beginning of the end for coach Jose Riveiro.
Last week, Pirates made the shock announcement that the master tactician would not be renewing his contract at the end of the season.
With that big news, it meant all eyes would be on Pirates against hosts Polokwane in the Betway Premiership clash on Saturday.
After a goalless first half, Riveiro changed tactics before bringing on two substitutes (Tshegofatso Mabasa and Kabelo Dlamini) just before the hour mark.
Pirates secure victory with Sibisi’s decisive goal against Polokwane City
Eight minutes later, Nkosinathi Sibisi netted for Pirates what would turn out to be the winner.
“We changed a little bit the way we were attacking behind Appollis in the first half on our right side,” Riveiro said as reported by iDiski Times.
“It’s a complex team to play against Polokwane City because they are doing man-markings in the central corridor. They are doing man-marking with the full-backs, so it’s difficult to find your key or the most talented players on the field with two seconds. You have one [second].
Riveiro went on to reveal in detail the change in tactics that made a difference.
“We changed a little bit, like I said in the second half. The position of Patrick [Maswanganyi], the position of Rele [Mofokeng], and [Mohau] Nkota was changed in order to have a different product in those balls we were playing behind the full-backs, especially on the left-side when he was jumping to Deano van Rooyen.
“I think it gave us more time in their half or more depth, at least to see them and have the possibility to rotate.”
@Michael_Sherman
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