Jose Riveiro: Orlando Pirates is not about experiments

The 19-year-old is yet another homegrown product that has burst onto the professional scene, alongside the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng and Thabiso Sesane, as he netted a brace in Pirates' 2-1 win over AmaZulu on Friday.

Riveiro emphasised that they are not in the business of trialing youngsters just for the sake of it, but those who are given opportunities are fully deserving of their place among the first team, which remains results-driven.

"I think the priority now – today – is this game, and then it's the next one, and we make sure that we can perform on the day and get the result that we are looking for," said Riveiro.

"We are not in a club, team, or space to think about next season, or the next six months, or speculate about experiments, so when you see players on the field it's because they are ready to perform, because we're fighting for every three points.

"But at the same time, strategically at the club, obviously, there are people working to make it possible that Pirates can continue winning in the near future as well."

Having Mofokeng and Nkota on the pitch, and doing well among their senior peers, is also a shining light for those still in the development pipeline, says the Spanish mentor.

"And it's important for our development academy as well to see their players on the field here in Orlando, and like I've said many times, players from your own development give you something nobody else can give you it's about identity, heart, things that you cannot buy in the market," he added.

"So it's important to always keep an eye on our own talent and, whenever they are ready, to give them the opportunity. 

"Nothing comes for free in professional football, so we need to appreciate at this moment, having big players like Nkota or Rele on the field playing together

"Because it's nice to see and it means a lot for the whole Orlando Pirates family, so the opportunity will be there for whoever is ready, it's a good message for every youngster who is around."

READ: Riveiro predicts bright future for teenager Mohau Nkota