Though Mofokeng's introduction off the bench proved pivotal in The Buccaneers' success at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening, many would have felt the Bafana Bafana forward could have played a major role from the first minute of the match.

However, the Spanish mentor explained that the approach in the first half – without the 19-year-old on the pitch – was a key part to winning the match in the manner that they did.

"You can imagine, we have a game to prepare for and a game plan to execute, with 39 players to choose from, and today 'Rele' was chosen to be on the bench and come in after about 60 minutes," said Riveiro.

"I think his contribution to get this trophy was exceptionally good again, not only today but during the whole competition, and not only in that moment in the game but during the 90 minutes I think he can do it.

"But today we prepared the game to play the way we did in the first half and to use what we have on the bench in the moment we considered it necessary."

Mofokeng ended up providing the all-important assist for Tshegofatso Mabasa's 91st-minute goal, before rounding Sage Stephens and slotting into an empty net five minutes later.

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