Orlando Pirates rally behind Buthelezi after the hijacking ordeal

This comes after Buthelezi was hijacked and kidnapped in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni last Thursday evening at around 20:40 but police confirmed that he returned home safe and unharmed the following morning.

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Yesterday he was at training with his teammates after missing this past weekend’s 1-0 away to Polokwane City. Riveiro shares how they have been helping the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper since his return from this ordeal.

''What I can tell you is that he is back and he is fit, he is in a safer space with us - not talking about security but mental health. His teammates are assisting him to get back 100%,'' said Riveiro.

Two years ago, Buthelezi suffered an incident of a similar nature when he was stabbed together with his brother during a car hijacking in Soweto.

They were returning from visiting their ailing mother when the thugs pounced. Riveiro couldn’t share the full details of how the club is helping Buthelezi off the field, as expected not to compromise some security detail.

''What happened to Melu, unfortunately there is nothing from my side to comment about, it is a sensitive matter - maybe the club will release a statement soon,'' added Riveiro.

Two years ago, another Pirates star player Vincent “Mashonisa” Pule was also hijacked and kidnapped in the south of Johannesburg, but his sporty BMW-1 series was recovered within two weeks in Riverlea following a strong operation from the law enforcement agencies.

Riveiro says as a coach, he’s also playing his role to try and get the young lad from Inquthu in KwaZulu-Natal back into the right frame of mind.

''What I can tell you is that he is looking good, and hoping to turn the page and move forward. We are here for him and will try to help him as much as possible,'' he concluded.

Meanwhile, Riveiro who is usually reluctant to comment about his players was asked about their newly signed player Thalente Mbatha who joined them on loan from SuperSport United in January.

Mbatha played his first game for Pirates this past weekend against Polokwane City and played the full 90 minutes. Riveiro started to explain why he doesn’t like commenting about individual players.