Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro. Cape Town City FC on the MTN8 semi-final first leg against Orlando Pirates at the DHL Cape Town Stadium on 28 August 2024 in Cape Town Though his side won their Betway Premiership clash against Chippa United, Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riviero was not a satisfied man. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
Leaving it late to seal the victory against Chippa United in their Betway Premiership clash on Wednesday did not sit well with Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro.
Monnapule Saleng grabbed the winner in added time, after the teams had been heading for a 1-1 draw.
In fact, Pirates started poorly as they went a goal down in the 22nd minute, with Andile Jali scoring the opener at Orlando Stadium.
Tshegofatso Mabasa levelled matters with a penalty just before the break to leave the contest undecided in the second stanza.
Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro on his players’ fighting spirit, scoring a last-gasp goal to win 2️⃣➖1️⃣ against Chippa United.
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Riveiro told SuperSport after the match: “It’s important points, one year ago we started with zero, today we started with three. We had a slow beginning to the game, first half.
“We know we were not at the level [where we should be]. We gave advantage to the opponent. We allowed them to grab the game plan.”
Riveiro, who helped Pirates to a second place finish in the league last term, said Chippa were always going to be a challenging team for his charges as they’re a big and physical outfit.
“We managed to come back in the second half and we played good football. We created more than enough chances.
“But it was in a rush because we were coming from behind and that’s not a good thing. It’s not a habit we want to create. We want to start games better and we want to be the ones who have the advantage.”
Pirates are next in action on Saturday, again at Orlando Stadium, when they take on Jwaneng Galaxy in their Caf Champions League match. Pirates are 2-0 up in the two-leg clash.