Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has weighed in on the recent performances of defender Thabiso Sesane as the Soweto giants booked their place at a third consecutive MTN8 final.
Pirates made easy work of Cape Town City with a 2-0 victory in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final at Orlando Stadium on Saturday after the first leg had ended 1-1.
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The match also saw a third clean sheet in five matches since the start of the season, a sure sign of the stability that has been provided by the Olisa Ndah-Thabiso Sesane centre-back pairing.
While the former's qualities have been well-documented, Sesane has only recently stepped into the fold.
The former Buccaneers' DStv Diski Challenge team captain only returned to the club last year after a loan spell with Cape Town All Stars.
He made just 11 appearances last season, eight of which only came in the last 10 league fixtures of the season.
In the current campaign, Sesane appears to be Riveiro's preferred choice over Sandile Mthethwa and Nkosinathi Sibisi in the heart of defence.
The 24-year-old has started all five of the side's encounters so far.
Addressing journalists after the weekend win, Riveiro gave his assessment of the player's progress.
"He is playing. That's the big change. He's playing regularly. That's why you are asking me about Sesane. If somebody else is playing, then we're going to change the name," the Spaniard offered.
"The key is to be on the field constantly. It means you're doing well during the week, you are in good shape, good space, etc.
"When the competition comes, you are at a level that Orlando Pirates needs, and that's the case. Obviously, as much as you play, your confidence grows, and winning and clean sheets help them a lot.
"He's surrounded by excellent football players as well, in the front, left, right and behind. In the end, we try to be a team that looks good, but the key is to be a collective," he added.
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Pirates now turn their attention to the CAF Champions League, where they face Jwaneng Galaxy in the first leg of the second preliminary round on 13 September.