Jose Riveiro reflects on the decision to recall Zakhele Lepasa and managing a big squad

Riveiro was responding to questions during the MTN8 post-match conference after watching his side coming back from one-nil down to beat Stellenbosch FC 2-1 in the first leg of the semifinals at Athlone stadium.

In one of the post-match pressers, Lepasa had revealed that the club’s chairman Irvin Khoza had played a big part in him coming back.

Asked about his role in this decision, all Riveiro would say was that it was a decision well taken.

"The club have clear guidelines and decision, we are together. We try to make the most efficient thinking in our presence and also in our future with exceptions. Like I said I'm happy to see them playing, to see the level of confidence that they are showing even in the half-time circumstances were difficult but you could feel that they are gonna make it," Riveiro said. 

"The level of self-confidence right now is very high in the team and we have very optimistic players and Zakes [Zakhele] is one of them as well. So, I'm glad it's a headache for me, if you look at our bench today, if you think about the players that didn't travel today to play this game, it's unbelievable. 

It is what it is, we have to use the momentum of each and everyone and it's where we are right now."

WATCH! Highlights of Stellenbosch 1 Orlando Pirates 2

In Sunday's game, Riveiro fielded Kermit Erasmus from the bench midway through the second half after he had recovered from an injury.

Riveiro says he’s got a nice headache at the club, with all the talented attackers coming back from injuries and fighting for a starting berth, the likes of Thembinkosi Lorch, Vincent Pule, including the new signee, Azola Matrose from Chippa United.

"It's difficult, it goes without saying but at the same time I said already on numeral occasions that I'm lucky because the players, I understand sometimes they can be upset. But they are very good professionals, they understand that they are playing for Pirates. The squad is big, and the quality is very high but it wasn't different last season, it was the same. 

So, they are used to it. If you check our first starting 11, one year ago and our last starting 11, you will find a lot of difference. If you go through the season there are opportunities for everybody.”

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