Head coach Jose Riveiro has explained the surprise substitution of midfielder Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo who was withdrawn from the encounter after playing just 20 minutes during Orlando Pirates clash against AmaZulu.
The Buccaneers' DStv Premiership title ambitions suffered another dent when they were held to a 0-0 draw by AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday night, a result that leaves them languishing in 13th position on the log table.
READ | Frustrated Riveiro - 'Their goalkeeper was injured the whole 90 minutes'
One of the surprises of the match was the exit of Ndlondlo, who had only been brought on in the 66th minute but was substituted off in the 85th minute.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Riveiro explained that the midfielder had been struck by the ball in the eye and could not continue the match.
"Philip (Ndlondlo) came on in a crucial moment for us, to give us a bit more rhythm on the ball in the last metres, and drivings and also the possibility to find a medium-range shot. Philip has a good shot from medium distance," the Spaniard explained.
"But something happened, it was an action close to the line, close to the AmaZulu bench. He got hit by the ball on his face and he was blind in one eye.
"He didn't improve after the doctor's treatment and it is a sensitive thing so we decided to take him out and hopefully it's only something anecdotal
"But we move. We don't think about or try to dramatize the things that happen on the field. We try to go to the next movement and continue looking for good results."
Orlando Pirates miss an opportunity to make up ground on their rivals ?
— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) October 24, 2023
The Buccaneers and uSuthu share the spoils at the Moses Mabhida Stadium ??
?? Stream the post-match wrap: https://t.co/TesYUfoDS5 pic.twitter.com/MzyjSd7GU6
ALSO READ | What AmaZulu can learn from Pirates
Although Pirates have won just two of their opening six league matches, they carry three games in hand and will be aiming to collect all three points when they take on Polokwane City on Friday at Orlando Stadium.
Match-kick-off is at 19:30.
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