Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has explained the absence of the club's new signings in the first leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary round tie against Disciples as well as their MTN8 quarter-final.
The Buccaneers are putting in the final preparations for the return leg of the First Preliminary Round Champions League tie against Disciples to be played at Orlando Stadium on Friday evening.
READ | Where is Gilberto?
The first leg ended in a goalless draw and notably, Riveiro opted for his traditional squad, leaving the club's new signings – a list that includes Gilberto, Ethan Khel, Selaelo Rasebotja, Dimpho Madalane, Bayanda Zulu, Thuso Moleleki. The same list of players was not in action when Pirates defeated SuperSport United 3-1 in the quarter-final of the MTN8.
Although KickOff understands that Gilberto is yet to attain his documentation, the question lingers over the question of the absence of the rest of the players.
Speaking to media at the pre-match press conference, Riveiro defended his non-selection of new players.
"Obviously there is always one reason why I play some players and not others," the Spaniard said.
"I don't see that players as new ones, or not new ones, we just try to play the game as good as we can with the resources that we have and the players that are available.
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"I don't make any difference between new players and players that were here one year ago. We are all part of the same team, we have a really big squad and the only thing players can do is work as hard as possible, be patient and wait for their opportunity.
"Everyone in the team is capable of playing for this team. It's about patience and waiting for the chance to play, whether you are new or old in the team."
The match against Disciples will kick off at 19:30.