Orlando Pirates got back to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune in their DStv Premiership clash at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Riveiro opted to freshen up his squad with Kermit Erasmus, Miguel Timm, Monnapule Saleng, Bandile Shandu and Tapelo Xoki being replaced by Karim Kimvuidi, Phillip Ndlondlo, Thabang Monare, Thabiso Monyane and Olisa Ndah.
Both sides were reeling from Carling Knockout exits over the weekend and produced several scoring chances in the opening but with no goals to show for it.
The second half was rather dire as the intensity dipped with a low atmosphere as not many bared the gloomy weather to eSgodini to witness the mid-week clash.
But to be fair to Pirates, the visitors didn’t look to take many risks and seemed content to play for a point away from home.
Riveiro thre a final roll of the dice to find a goal with Katelgo Otladisa, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Vincent Pule brought on for Evidence Makgopa, Kimvuidi and Patrick Maswanganyi.
And it was Mofokeng who inspired the opener as his quick one-two carved open the Sekhukhune defender and Thabiso Monyane was on hand to fire an effort past Badra Ali Sangare.
The three points moved Pirates up to ninth in the league with 12 points in nine games, one point and three placed ahead of Kaizer Chiefs – who have played a game more, ahead of the Soweto Derby this weekend.
However, they are 12 points behind reigning champions and league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns – who has played one game fewer.
