Orlando Pirates, José Riveiro struggle to understand shock loss to Sekhukhune United

Following his side’s shock 1-0 Betway Premiership defeat to Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening, Orlando Pirates coach José Riveiro was left trying to understand how his side lost a match at perhaps the most crucial time in their title challenge.

While Mamelodi Sundowns eased to a 3-0 win over Richards Bay at the same time, it meant that Pirates are now 12 points behind the table-toppers.

Even though Pirates still have two games in hand over Sundowns, who have played 23 matches, it means the gap is once again ballooning.

That’s before Pirates enter the cauldron of the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium against Kaizer Chiefs, when the pressure will be even greater for the Buccaneers to bag all three points.

Riveiro Reflects on Unexpected Loss to Sekhukhune Despite Dominating Match

The outgoing Riveiro, after the loss to Sekhukhune, tried to explain how his side lost a match they dominated.

“It was a game before the goal and a game after the goal perhaps,” Riveiro told SuperSport TV after the game.

Sekhukhune’s Tresor Yamba bagged the winner in the 58th minute, and it was certainly not what Riveiro had been expecting.

“Game under control, I think the game was close for us, it looked the goal was coming and in a corner kick, in a situation that should be under control, they managed to get the lead.”

Pirates had 15 shots in total, to the eight of Sekhukhune. The hosts also had a whopping 75% possession, but still could not find a goal.

Riveiro lamented his side’s missed opportunity.

“After that [the goal] we didn’t react well. We were disorganised with not many ideas. Maybe I’m wrong, but the keeper only made one save in the first half, we didn’t manage to have shots on target or not enough. That’s why the 1-0.

“I think the game was coming for us before the goal, but after the goal we didn’t play well enough to deserve the equaliser.”

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport