adminBruce Chikuni
ORLANDO Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro, was pleased with Terrence Dzvukamanja’s handling of the hostile crowd after being booed by his own fans in their 3-1 win over Golden Arrows.
Dzvukamanja was subjected to boos and jeers from Pirates fans despite scoring what proved to be the match winner on Saturday.
He opened his 2022-23 season account with a stoppage minute strike to restore Pirates’ advantage after being introduced in the 74th minute.
The game was headed for a 1-1 stalemate when Dzvukamanja was introduced.
Another substitute, Vincent Pule, ended the game as a contest a minjte after Dzvukamanja’s goal.
Before the goal, Dzvukamanja was booed each time he touched the ball, in a clear indication that fans badly want him out.
His consistence as a foreign player has been questioned as he occupies one of the five foreign slots for the Baccaneers.
Dzvukamanja was an instant hit when he moved from Ngezi Platinum Stars to the now defunct Bidvest Wits.
But his switch to Pirates has not yielded the expected results due to a series of career threatening injuries despite enjoying a bright start with the team.
Riveiro hailed the Zimbabwe international for giving a deaf ear to the irate fans.
“In this case, as an individual I’m so happy that it was justice. He came in against all odds, he was badly received by the fans and he managed to score a goal which was important for the team,” said Riveiro.
“That’s why (Dzvukamanja and Pule) are here, to come on and do their best and we should all support them in difficult moments.
“It’s not the same scenario going in as a substitute in the last 20 minutes and leading 3-0, than going with a responsibility to change the result.
“Maybe another player would have said it’s not my worry, it’s not my business to change the game and you could see it was totally the opposite in this case.
“The competition is difficult, it’s hard to make it in the starting 11.
“It’s also very difficult to make it into the match-day squad.
“So when the players are on the field, it means they were having a good time during the week.”
Dzvukamanja’s contract is set to expire in the coming months and he has been heavily linked with a reunion with former coach Gavin Hunt at SuperSport United.
Meanwhile, in the Mostepe Foundation Championship, there was nothing to separate coach, Rodwell Dhlakama’s Black Leopards and Venda FC on Saturday.
They played to a 1-1 draw.
Two Zimbabweans, Tatenda Tavengwa and Edmore Chirambadare featured for Venda FC.
The two sides are on 11 points and are just separated by three points, from league anchors, Pretoria Callies.
Online Reporter