Orlando Pirates have come to terms with the reality that their chances of winning the Betway Premiership title this season may be slipping away after a heavy 4-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mamelodi Sundowns 4-1 Orlando Pirates Sundowns secured a dominant win with goals from Grant Kekana, Lucas Ribeiro (two goals), and Teboho Mokoena. This result has put the defending champions nine points ahead of the Buccaneers, and according to Orlando Pirates’ coach Jose Riveiro, the true picture of the title race will be clearer at the end of the season.
Riveiro’s Take on the Defeat “The difference between the two teams will be evident at the end of the season. We’ll see whether we are at the same level or if the gap is much wider,” Riveiro said, as quoted by Sowetan.
Riveiro was quick to point out that a single match, even one as heavy as this, doesn’t define the season. “The difference doesn’t lie in one game. Even when we beat them in the Nedbank Cup final, the gap between the two teams wasn’t significant. They were simply better than us on the day,” he continued, acknowledging Sundowns’ superior performance.
The coach also commented on the poor condition of the pitch, which he believed had an impact on the game but did not make excuses for the loss.
Looking Ahead Despite the disappointment of the 4-1 scoreline, Riveiro remained focused on the bigger picture. “This is just one game. We’ve still got 16 games left to play, plus the CAF Champions League and the Nedbank Cup. We didn’t lose a final, we just lost three points,” he said.
Riveiro remains optimistic about Pirates’ progress, noting the team’s resilience in their other matches, including a win over Sekhukhune. “We have been competing in all competitions, and we’ve already secured a title this season. I am confident about the way we are approaching things.”
In the end, despite the setback, Riveiro’s belief in his team and their ability to challenge in multiple fronts remains intact.
