Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro says he's happy they finally found the back of the net in regulation time after their 2-0 win over Cape Town Spurs in the Carling Knockout.
Pirates advanced to the quarter-finals of the cup courtesy of second-half goals from Tapelo Xoki and Kermit Erasmus.
The Buccaneers had their rhythm interrupted in the first stanza after goalkeeper Sipho Chaine had to be substituted due to an injury and was replaced by Melusi Buthelezi, who made his debut.
Read: Pirates sink Spurs to book Carling Knockout last 8 spot
"It changed a bit the scenario, we were forced to do a sub and you're a running a bit short of spots to do substitutions in the second-half, it's a condition you have to consider," Riveiro told SABC Sport TV.
"But obviously I don't want anybody to get injured, fortunately we have guarantees on the bench as well, it's the first time for Buthelezi to play for us in the official match, they are all prepared to do it, so no stress," he said.
Riveiro went on and praised Spurs for giving them a good game and said he's happy they finally managed to score in regulation time after they did not score in four of their last five matches in all competitions.
"I think we struggled a bit in the beginning of the game to find the pace and the tempo, a lot of interruptions in the first 20 to 30 minutes but I think we finished the first-half much better, I think in the end of the first-half we were close to finding the goal and in the second-half we continued pressing with determination, forcing mistakes," the Spanish coach continued.
"They did well I think, they were really a difficult opponent, building up much more than we expect and in the end we found a way to break our record, I think five games in a row not scoring in the 90 minutes.
"So happy for the guys we're in the next round, we worked really hard to make it possible, so we move," he said.
Pirates getting two quick goals just after the hour-mark settled the nerves and Riveiro could give more players minutes, as the likes of Vincent Pule, Karim Kimvuidi and Siphelo Baloni were introduced.
"As a coach you want to use your resources as good as possible, like I said many times and I hope everybody understands what I'm saying, when I said that I cannot be fair because there's many players who deserve to be on the field but I can only play 11," Riveiro went on.
"Today we had the opportunity to see again the important players for us and it's important for the team, for the competition, so I'm happy for them," he added.
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