Jose Riveiro credits healthy competition for fine league form

Last night, Pirates defeated Moroka Swallows 2-0 in the DStv Premiership at Orlando Stadium. Goals from on-form striker Evidence Makgopa and a  notable performance off the bench by Monnapule Saleng, which resulted in an own goal, were the difference. 

"The competition is high, it's wild sometimes because they are all really good players. They all signed for Pirates with the intention to be important players in your [media] eyes and fans. [So] they are all pushing and trying to be on the field," said the Spaniard. 

"I'm used to waking up on day minus one training with 31, or 32 players available for selection. Obviously, it's a headache, but I want to be positive and say it's a good headache when you have quality. But it's also important for them to accept the roles in the different moments of the season," he continued.

Pirates, who have collected 10 points from a possible 12 in the last four matches, moved to sixth on the log after this win and Swallows dropped down to the seventh spot. 

Saleng had only been on the pitch for less than a minute when he waltzed past the Swallows' defence and delivered a short cross that deflected off Vusi Sibiya and hit the upright before crossing the line. The Bafana Bafana attacker has been struggling with form in the last few months, but Riveiro believes this goal will push his confidence. 

"The contribution from the bench becomes key. So if the player from the bench is not coming with the right motivation and understanding, like Siphelo [Baloni] in the end is playing only 10 minutes, he needs to understand that they are very important minutes for the team, and for him as well to be prepared for next time. 

"But I'm happy with the contribution from the bench and happy for Saleng. He's not having the best time in his career, and coming from the bench and contributing with a good action that finishes in a goal."