Orlando Pirates lost to Jwaneng Galaxy in their CAF Champions League second preliminary round first leg tie on Sunday, 17 September. Image Source: (@OrlandoPirates/Twitter)
Why Riveiro is not satisfied despite Pirates convincing win
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro accepts the win over Royal AM but he remains not satisfied with some elements of their game.
Orlando Pirates lost to Jwaneng Galaxy in their CAF Champions League second preliminary round first leg tie on Sunday, 17 September. Image Source: (@OrlandoPirates/Twitter)
Despite putting on a gallant display and securing their first DStv Premiership win over Royal AM, Orlando Pirates mentor Jose Riveiro is not satisfied.
The Spanish manager, Riveiro says he wanted his troops to finish the game as early as possible despite claiming a convincing 4-2 victory – per SuperSport TV.
ALSO READ I Riveiro on why Pirates are lucky ahead of Royal AM clash
Pirates played in front of their home crowds for the first time in the 2023/24 season on Tuesday night and demolished Thwihli Thwahla.
The hosts netted through Zakhele Lepasa’s brace, a brilliant goal by Monnapule Saleng before Bandile Shandu killed the game.
RIVEIRO IS NOT SATISFIED DESPITE PIRATES CONVINCING WIN
ALSO READ I Orlando Pirates news: Latest squad and injury updates!
Speaking after the encounter at Orlando Stadium, Riveiro lambasted the lack of urgency to put the game to bed early.
Their complacency allowed John Maduka’s men to find their way back when goalkeeper Sipho Chaine made an error in the 88th minute to concede.
“I think we should’ve finished the game early, we had many, many opportunities to finish the opponents’ hopes,” Riveiro said after the match.
“But we keep the game open, almost until the last minute. A bit crazy the second half, I didn’t like it.
ALSO READ I Sundowns gifted defender heavily linked with Tshwane rivals
“We should’ve controlled the game much better with a 3-1 advantage but we have to learn also from these games.
“It happens many times in this league in the second half that the game is broken and is going side to side, we need to impose our tempo in that moment. Today, we had the opportunity to do it and we missed a lot of opportunities to score the fourth one and finish the game.”
ALSO READ I Pirates reject Makgaka fails to impress at Stellies – report
RIVEIRO ON ROYAL AM’S REACTION AND PIRATES DISPLAY
As Pirates came to the clash licking their wounds after a 1-0 loss to Stellenbosch last weekend, he was somewhat happy with their display.
In addition, he also reflected on the Durban-based club’s response in the match as they nearly made it 3-3.
“A good reaction of our opponents as well after the 3-0, so they can be proud of their performance also today,” he added.
ALSO READ I Pirates coach Riveiro refuses to discuss 16 injured players
“To be honest I think we played much better two days ago than we did today.
“But today we were more accurate in the opportunities that we create, one penalty, one transition, and one ball behind the line…but we were not really in control or not as much as I would like.”
Up next for the reigning Nedbank Cup champions is an MTN8 clash against Sekhukhune United at their home venue on Saturday evening.
