Jose riveiro at the press conference

Jose riveiro at the press conference – Photo: Twitter @Lorenz_KO

Jose Riveiro gives verdict on draw against Mamelodi Sundowns

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has voiced his thoughts on the goalless draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first-leg.

Jose riveiro at the press conference

Jose riveiro at the press conference – Photo: Twitter @Lorenz_KO

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has voiced his thoughts on the goalless draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first-leg at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Get fired up and bet on all the drama of local diski

ALSO READ: MTN8: BRANDON TRUTER NOT SEEING AMAZULU AS UNDERDOGS AGAINST KAIZER CHIEFS

The Tshwane giants enjoyed more ball possession than their hosts, but had zero shots on target while the Soweto giants were threatening offensively and had four shots on goal.

Riveiro feels the teams matched each other and emphasised that the Buccaneers can now compete in the ‘big’ matches.

ALSO READ: MANQOBA MNGQITHI REACTS TO HUGO BROOS’ PSL’S REMARKS

RIVEIRO REACTS TO DRAW WITH SUNDOWNS

“Intense, with small and short moments for every team but most of the 90 minutes, most of the time during the 90 minutes quite equal,” Riveiro told SuperSport TV after the game.

“I think the first half was really under control, we didn’t suffer so much or at all I have to say, to control the situation in our offensive phase.

“And we got also in attack to create some problems, we were really not clinic in our transitions in the first half.

“Second half they started better or I have that feeling the beginning was better, Mokoena was creating problems for us to defend, we became a bit low in our block.

ALSO READ: MANQOBA MNGQITHI EXPLAINS LYLE LAKAY’S SHOCK DEPARTURE

“But after we correct the situation, okay there’s always threats with [Peter] Shalulile running behind and they brought a lot of quality from the bench as well.

“But overall I think the game that everybody expects, equal and with Pirates showing that we can compete also in these types of games, we’re going serious.”

Marcelo Allende challenging Goodman Mosele on the ball
Marcelo Allende challenging Goodman Mosele on the ball – Photo: Twitter @orlandopirates

ALSO READ: MANQOBA MNGQITHI REACTS TO HUGO BROOS’ PSL’S REMARKS

SUNDOWNS TO HOST SECOND LEG AT THE NEW PETER MOKABA STADIUM

The second-leg will take place on 22 October at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.

According to the Brazilians chairperson Tlhopane ‘Tlhopie’ Motsepe, Sundowns were not allowed to host this match at their usual home venue – Loftus Versfeld due to branding issues.

In the other semi-final first-leg, Kaizer Chiefs will lock horns with AmaZulu at FNB Stadium on Sunday at 15:30.

ALSO READ: KAIZER CHIEFS’ ARTHUR ZWANE PREVIEWS AMAZULU CLASH

Get fired up, alongside SA’s most passionate fans, and bet on the very best South African football in the PSL. Sign up with Betway today and you’ll get up to R1,000 as a Sports Welcome Bonus – perfect for placing a bet on all the drama of local diski.