Head coach Jose Riverio has explained the surprise substitution of midfielder Karim Kimvuidi during Orlando Pirates' win over Polokwane City.
The Buccaneers collected their first win of the 2024 calendar year when they defeated Rise and Shine 1-0 at New Peter Mokaba Stadium thanks to an Evidence Makgopa goal.
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A surprising switch of tactics though would come in the second half, when Kimvuidi, who had been lively in the match, was substituted for Tshegofatso Mabasa.
Speaking to journalists after the match, Riveiro offered some clarity.
"The players are not machines," Riveiro said during the post-match press conference.
"There are moments where the players can get tired, there's many things for the players during the week that you don't know and people don't know.
"Sometimes people don't understand the subs but there is always reasons behind [substitution]. The first one is that we want to win and we're looking for something else," the coach said to the media.
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"Karim did a good job, he has chances. He helped us a lot in the progression in attack, but we were looking for something else or try something different to try to unlock the defensive system of Polokwane City.
"And [he was] a little bit tired in that moment. You remember, he lost three balls in a row before the sub and usually when players like Karim or even Rele [Mofokeng] they make that type of mistake, usually the fatigue is behind that.
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"Luckily for us, we have the same type of quality on the bench. It doesn't matter who is coming from the bench, it's going to be a good sub. So that's what we try every time. To keep the team as powerful as possible."
Pirates return to action on Wednesday when they take on Cape Town Spurs at Orlando Stadium. Kick-off is at 19:30.
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