Orlando Pirates coach Jose Ribeiro has explained why he substituted Sipho Chain for Siyabonga Mponshane during Saturday's 7-1 win over Golden Arrows.
Chain, the Buccaneers' first-choice keeper this season, came on as a substitute in the 54th minute.
Despite the goalkeeper change, Pirates easily dominated the match, although Mponshane conceded a goal.
Coach Ribeiro urged his team to build on the form they showed against Arrows.
“This is a heavy score and could be something we can use positively for the future in terms of believing in ourselves and knowing our abilities.” I'm talking about scoring seven goals. I'm not talking about the type of football we play,” Ribeiro said after the match.
“It's dangerous to think that from now on we're going to be nothing, that teams will be afraid of us. We have to mature and carry that into the future.''
Regarding the goalkeeper change, Ribeiro said that Chain felt uncomfortable during the game. The Pirates were leading 4-0 when the substitution was made.
“It was like a feeling of discomfort.” [on Sipho Chaine]” Riveiro said. “He played, but I can't tell you how serious it is.
Jose Ribeiro says Sifo Chain could be injured again
“He could have continued a little longer if we wanted. But we didn't want to take any more risks.
“Let's hear the extent of the injury in the next 24 hours because it's not about the result,” he said.
Ribeiro will need to work hard on Chain's fitness as they next face AmaZulu in the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup.
The goalkeeper was in great form at the beginning of the season and helped the Buccaneers win the MTN8 title.
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