Jose Riveiro defends Thalente Mbatha from unhappy Orlando Pirates fans

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has been forced to defend Thalente Mbatha from a section of the club’s own supporters.

Mbatha has been a regular starter for Bucs this season, playing in 22 games in all competitions.

He has scored four goals, including one in the recent 2-1 CAF Champions League victory over CR Belouizdad.

Mbatha though was booed by some Pirates fans during the game when he lost possession of the ball.

After the game, Riveiro called out the supporters who turned on their own player.

He said in the Citizen: “I think there was a moment when Thalente lost a couple of balls and the atmosphere changed a little bit.

“We can’t afford to do that. It’s an emotional reaction because the players are humans.

“They have feelings. It’s important that they feel that they are playing home every single minute, not only when they are scoring or when we’re playing nice.

“Sometimes, we have to understand that it’s not that easy, we have an opponent in front that also wants to win.”

Pirates are next in action away to Al-Ahly on Saturday.

They are currently Group C leaders with 11 points. Only a draw is needed against the second-placed side to progress to the knockout rounds.