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By Tshepo Ntsoelengoe

Football Journalist


Dlamini an important player for Pirates, says Riveiro

"People sometimes don't realise how important he is for us," says Riveiro.


Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has emphasized the importance of forward Kabelo Dlamini in his squad.

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Dlamini, who was among the goal-scorers for Riveiro’s team in their last game against Chippa United, which they won 2-0 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium last weekend, has often been criticised for the way he plays.

Riveiro, however, says people don’t realise how valuable Dlamini is for the team.

“We have a lot of quality in our front department, I’m not going to discuss Lorch now, probably Dlamini, people sometimes don’t realise how important he is for us. How much he helps us in our build-up process and I’m so happy for the boy because on Saturday he managed to get one goal which is going to be very important for him for the future,” said Riveiro.

The forward’s goal against Chippa was really crucial for Riveiro as he aims to get the club to finish as runners-up in the league table and qualify for the Caf Champions League next season, a competition they are so desperate to get play in.

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Pirates are currently in second place on the log with 43 points after 25 games, level on points with SuperSport United, but the Soweto giants have a better goal-difference.

Riveiro will be eager to see Dlamini score more goals going forward, especially in their next game where they meet ABC Motsepe League side Dondol Stars in the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.