The Matric student behind Orlando Pirates' Carling Knockout exit

The 20-year-old had to juggle with his matric exams last week in the build-up to the decisive CKO quarter-final clash against The Buccaneers.

READ: Jose Riveiro: Our performances are 4-0 performances, but...

Richards Bay head coach Kaitano Tembo revealed this during the post-match press conference at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, after Manqele’s heroics ensured they won 5-4 in the dramatic shootout. 

The Natal Rich Boyz development product made three big saves in the game before also saving Deon Hotto’s spot-kick to ensure his side’s progression to the semi-finals. 

"It's a little bit difficult because we also have to put his education first. There's still a lot of football for him to play, he just needs to finish his Matric, which is very important," said Tembo.

"So, we'll also try and give him that time to study and go and write his exams. Whenever he's available, like this week – he trained maybe twice but he still came and played, we'll manage that.

"Next week he's not available because he's writing on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, so we'll give him that time for him to focus on that."

ALSO RELATED: Sean Connor shares CT Spurs' next target after Orlando Pirates victory

Manqele was one of six changes to the team that lost 3-1 to Cape Town City a week prior, and Tembo says his presence between the posts was a huge difference against Pirates.

"If I look back to our last game against Cape Town City, where we conceded goals that I felt we shouldn't even had conceded when we were playing so well, and all of a sudden in 15 minutes, you are already 3-0 down," reflected the former SuperSport United coach.

"But today we were under so much pressure, but he kept his calm, he dealt with the situations and read the game very well, his anticipation was brilliant. And you could see the confidence that the guys in front of him [in defence] had, and for me that was huge."