Orlando Pirates defender Tapelo Xoki hailed their substitutes as the real difference-makers in their 2-0 victory over second-tier side All Stars at Milpark Stadium on Saturday.
After a frustrating first half, Pirates came to the party in the second period and managed two goals to beat All Stars. The first goal came just two minutes after the hour mark courtesy of talismanic winger Monnapule Saleng before substitute Thembinkosi Lorch, who had not featured since Pirates’ fourth league game of the season against SuperSport United on August 21 last year, scored the second goal. Lorch replaced Kabelo Dlamini at halftime.
“The subs played a huge part in our victory tonight. It was tough. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, playing against a team that was very motivated to beat us. We had to dig deep. We had to make sure we didn’t concede and we didn’t want them to prolong the game to extra time,” Xoki said after the game.
“In cup games it’s very important to keep a clean sheet. As the defenders we had to make sure that we didn’t concede and that helped the guys upfront [referring to his offensive teammates].”
Xoki’s usual central defensive partner Nkosinathi Sibisi was rested with fringe centre-back Sandile Mthethwa getting the nod to play with the former at the heart of the Sea Robbers’ defence. Xoki applauded Mthethwa’s shift, highlighting the importance of having competition in the team.
“We’ve always been a collective. We support one another... everyone who gets a chance, we make sure we give them the support they need. Mthethwa did well today... he played his heart out and he kept it simple. I was there when he needed me. It’s a great thing for the team to have everyone ready to play... you know that when you slip up someone else will take your place,” Xoki stated.
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