Head coach Jose Riveiro has dismissed suggestions that players such as Relebohile Ratomo, Fortune Makaringe, Makhehleni Makhaula were selected due to squad rotation in Orlando Pirates 1-1 draw against Royal AM.
Pirates were held to 1-1 draw at home by Royal AM thanks to an own goal by Elias Pelembe and later equaliser by Menzi Masuku.
Riveiro made seven changes to the squad that defeated TS Galaxy 2-1 on Sunday, including handing a long-awaited debut to 17-year-old DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) starlet Ratomo, whose shot at goal deflected off Pelembe to open the scoring for Pirates.
This is a would've been special moment for young Relebohile Ratomo ??
— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) May 3, 2023
His deflected shot is given as an own goal off Pelembe.#DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/8CAZQH6vsx
Other non-regular starters who got the nod included Fortune Makaringe who made only his third league start this season and Makhehlene Makhaula who got his second start since joining in January, among others.
"Rele [Relebohile Ratomo] is a Pirates player, he has been with us and he's been in our mind and under control the whole season," Riveiro responded when asked if the match presented a perfect opportunity to give fringe player a chance.
"He is going through his development process as a youngster and as a young player that he is and I have nothing to say about his performance, the guy was talking on the field and If I played Rele in the stating eleven today, understanding how important the game is or was for us.
"I'm not here to give chances to players, I'm here to win games and help the team to win games. Rele as on the field to help the team, to help us win the game, not to get a chance or if he's good, I'm not thinking about that.
"If the player is ready, he is ready. If it's the first time he plays, it's anecdotic."
The draw brings an end to an impressive seven-match winning streak for Riveiro's side.
Pirates now turn their attention to the Nedbank Cup where they meet rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the semi-final clash of the competition to be played at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 15:00.
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