Riveiro explains Makhaula’s importance to Pirates’ midfield

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has outlined the attributes new signing Makhehlene Makhaula brings to the heart of the club’s midfield.

Makhehlene Makhaula was handed his first start for Pirates on Friday night against Soweto rivals Swallows FC after he completed a move from AmaZulu FC in the January transfer window.

He replaced Phillip Ndlondlo who was dropped to the bench.

The midfield maestro, Makhehlene Makhaula, had a great game as he was bossing and controlling the midfield together with his partner Miguel Timm.

WHAT MAKHAULA BRINGS TO PIRATES’ MIDFIELD

According to Jose Riveiro, the 33-year-old Makhaula has brought balance and stability. This, in turn, has helped the Soweto giants to perform better going forward.

“We try to make sure that we can keep the balance [in the midfield], understanding the nature of the players that we have in front,” Riveiro told the media.

“We need security in the central corridor. The central midfielders gave us the security to not feel the threat in transitions to give us time.

“We need that balance from behind when we have wide offensive fullbacks. What’s important for us is to give them time on the ball and spend more time in the half of the opponent. Our central midfielders did a fantastic job same as the centre backs.”

The Buccaneers were in complete control during the match as all the departments were well organised. They recorded an emphatic victory, winning the game 4-1 as they returned to winning ways.

The win saw the Happy People move to third place on the DStv Premiership log. They are on a mission finishing second so that they will play in the CAF Champions League next season.

Pirates are now two points shy from second-placed SuperSport United, who are in action on Sunday against Golden Arrows.

RELATED STORY: Saleng hat-trick sinks Swallows as Pirates go third