Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has refused to lay the blame on Nkosinathi Sibisi after they dropped points again in the DStv Premiership on Friday evening.
Sibisi had the chance to put Pirates ahead in the second half against AmaZulu – who took the lead at Orlando Stadium from the spot through Sphesihle Maduna. With Kermit Erasmus forcing an own goal from Veli Mothwa just before the break the game was evenly poised when the Bafana Bafana defender stepped up to the spot.
While Sibisi was a regular scorer for his former club Golden Arrows from spot-kicks it was the build-up towards it that caused some debate as the players were seen speaking over who should take it and some members of the technical team seemingly confused by the decision.
However, Riveiro has thanked Sibisi for showing courage to step up and says that moment didn’t define the result of the game as he hinted there were several issues he wasn’t happy about, despite having 10 shots on target on the night – with Usuth keeper Veli Mothwa in inspiring form.
“That’s not relevant, someone has to take the penalty… and yeah, he did it, thank you for doing it and it’s not easy to [take] the responsibility and hopefully we have more chances and more frequent possibilities to [score] penalties,” he said after the game.
“Sibisi is a rock and he will be back immediately, Obviously we are all disappointed with the result but it’s not because we missed a penalty, or not only [because of missing it.]”
Pirates now turn their attention to Golden Arrows in the league before their second leg MTN8 semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns.
