Why Kermit Erasmus was substituted in halftime

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has shed some light on why striker Kermit Erasmus was substituted at halftime during their Nedbank Cup last 16 encounter against Venda Football Academy.

Pirates booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup on Saturday night at Orlando Stadium after beating VFA 2-1.

Erasmus opened the scoring for Pirates early in the first half to give Pirates a 1-0 lead going into the half-time break.

Interestingly, Erasmus was substituted at the start of the second half, and Riveiro has now explained why he was withdrawn.

“Kermit Erasmus felt something [injury] early in the second half,” Riveiro told the media.

“Maybe after 20 to 22 minutes, we had a conversation, and he said he was feeling some pain.

“Then we decided not to take any risk and make it worse in halftime time. That’s why we decided to sub him,” added the coach.

KERMIT ERASMUS STRUGGLED FOR GAME TIME AT MAMELODI SUNDOWNS

Erasmus rejoined the Soweto giants for his second stint from Mamelodi Sundowns at the start of the season.

The 32-year-old attacker struggled to break into the star-studded Sundowns team. Despite emerging as a first-choice talisman in the Pirates’ striking force.

Erasmus has seemingly struggled for game time recently, with Terrence Dzvukamanja preferred in the frontline.

The former SuperSport United goal poacher has scored three goals and contributed three assists in 15 games he played in all competitions this season.

Erasmus faces stiff competition in Pirates’ striking position. Dzvukamanja, Ndumiso Mabena, Beinvenu Eva Nga, Evidence Makgopa, and Souaibou Marou are all fighting for a starting berth.

ORLANDO PIRATES INCONSISTENT RUN OF FORM

Meanwhile, Pirates have been inconsistent in the current campaign under the guidance of Riveiro. The Ghosts have won 10 games and drawn four while losing eight times after 22 games played in the league.

Pirates are in third place on the Premiership league table with 34 points. They are five points away from second-placed SuperSport.

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