- Makhanya called for more youngsters in first team
- Pirates academy coach waiting for plan from Riveiro
- The Buccaneers have not utilised academy this term
WHAT HAPPENED? Makhanya feels he has a number of players who are ready to make the step up but are being held back by the lack of a clear plan of how they will feature in the senior team.
Pirates have not utilised players from their academy this season like rivals Kaizer Chiefs with only Thabiso Monyane being used regularly, having made 17 appearances, after Riveiro inherited a bloated squad.
That means the path to the first team football has been blocked for the academy stars which is a cause for concern for Monyane.
WHAT DID HE SAY? “There’s plenty of talent in our team who are showing good signs. Integration is a process that should not be rushed so that they cannot break when they get there,” said Makhanya as quoted by the SowetanLIVE.
“For the youngsters, it takes a bit of readiness for them to be up for the challenge but then again, we do advocate for them to be given a platform and whenever they are given a chance, they should crack and show signs of being ready.
“We are talking about youngsters, we need to find a proper way how you integrate them, once you throw them in there, you can burden them. At the end of the day, it needs somebody with a proper plan and bravery because your job is on the line.
“That’s why we are saying we are waiting for a proper plan from the coach. He has seen them, and he does train with them so maybe in the coming season he will integrate them into his preseason.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Given Riveiro is under pressure to deliver immediate results, it is hard to see him including youngsters this season with Champions League qualification and Nedbank Cup glory at stake.
Next season will likely be the same with fans hoping for a tilt at the PSL title which will mean more experienced players will be required, to the detriment of the academy players.
WHAT’S NEXT? Pirates are away to Richards Bay in the PSL on Saturday.