Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro shared his thoughts following his team’s 4-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld.
Sundowns extended their lead in the Betway Premiership to nine points with two goals from Lucas Ribeiro, and one each from Grant Kekana and Teboho Mokoena. Riveiro acknowledged that his side’s defensive errors played a significant role in the loss.
“The first two goals were avoidable,” Riveiro told SABC Sport. “Both came from situations we should have read better. Sundowns were clinical in front of goal, and we paid for it.”
The Pirates coach pointed to the field conditions, set pieces, and poor transitions as key factors in the defeat. He also highlighted the quality of Ribeiro’s finishing.
Reflecting on the second half, Riveiro said his team took risks in an attempt to get back into the game. “We pushed for a different approach and came close with a 2-1 scoreline. At that point, it felt like Pirates had the momentum, but Sundowns reacted well and sealed the game with a third goal.”
With the loss, the Buccaneers are now nine points behind Sundowns, having played 14 matches this season. Despite an impressive start to the campaign with seven consecutive wins, this marks Pirates’ third league defeat.
