Pirates coach Riveiro reveals selection headache

Jose Riveiro admits he has a hard time picking who to start in goals for Orlando Pirates with all his goalkeepers pushing for place in the starting line-up.

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Sipho Chaine was the regular starter for Bucs in goals before he got injured in a Carling Black Label Knockout tie with Cape Town Spurs two weeks ago.

Since then, new signing Melusi Buthelezi has been getting the nod, ahead of Ghana international Richard Ofori and veteran keeper Siyabonga Mpontshane.

Riveiro, however, says the selection headache is a “headache” he is more than happy to have.

“With the goalkeepers it’s the same problem (selecting who starts) in every position. I mean, when you have to choose between Olisa Ndah, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sandile Mthethwa, Innocent Maela and Thabiso Sesane you have a headache.  You can only choose two or when we play with three, you have to choose three,” said Riveiro.

“The keeper is even more difficult because it’s one position, you only play one and you don’t usually substitute goalkeepers during the games.  So, the one who is not playing is not playing at all.”

While Riveiro has opted to start Buthelezi between the sticks for Bucs, the Spaniard says he knows that everyone has their preference on who to start.

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“It’s a headache because we have a very high (quality) level in that department. Obviously everyone can have their own opinion or favourites. And we always try to be as close as possible in our selection to win and that’s how we go through the whole process of selection in each and every position in every game,” concluded Riveiro.

Buthelezi has been decent in all the games he has played for Bucs so and Riveiro is expected to start with him once again when they take on Spurs in a DStv Premiership clash at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday.