Orlando Pirates coach begs fans to take it easy on striker

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has asked the fans to be patient with players whom he feels are improving.

Riveiro stood up for struggling attacker Terrence Dvzukamanja.

Orlando Pirates coach shocked by reception

The coach was shocked to hear the Zimbabwean greeted by a chorus of boos as he came on against Golden Arrows.

Riveiro hopes that the attackers’ efforts, which included a crucial goal, will win him some favour with the fans.

“It was justice that he [Dvzukamanja] came in [and did well] against all the odds. He was very badly received and he managed to score a goal which is going to be important for the team,” Riveiro said of Dzvukamanja’s exertions against Arrows.

“It’s not the same to go into the game with 20 minutes to go when you’re leading 3-0 and with the responsibility of changing the result.

“I think Terrence and all the players who came from the bench did a fantastic job. Not playing regularly, coming into the game in a very difficult scenario and maybe other players would have said, ‘It’s not my business here tonight’.

“You can see that it was totally the opposite. I’m so happy in this case that Pule and Terrence had a good time.”

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Going too far

Riveiro feels that the Orlando Pirates faithful crossed the line with their treatment of the 28-year-old.

“Terrence came to the field to defend the club and it’s always better if we support and trust him.

“Supporters have a right to express themselves on what they like or what they don’t, but we need understand also that it’s going to be better if we do it after the game. Let the game finish and we can then express ourselves and we can say we’re happy or not.

“When we’re looking for that goal, we need everyone to be involved. It’s going to be important that the fans are playing their role and that we play the games together.

“In a moment like this, we need 100% of their support and pushing from the stands. The players need to feel that we’re playing at home the whole time, no matter what is the situation.”