Riveiro says Pirates are ‘mentally tired’ ahead of Sekhukhune clash

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has admitted that his side is not at their best following a string of poor results in the last few weeks.

This is after a disappointing outcome in the Carling Black Label Knockout, where the Buccaneers were eliminated by Richards Bay FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Pirates were one of the favourites to go all the way to the final of the competition having won three domestic knockout competitions in a row – the MTN8 twice (last season and this season) as well as the Nedbank Cup (last season).

However, the Sea Robbers were edged 5-4 on penalty shoot-out by the Natal Rich Boys after playing to a goalless draw after extra time.

Riveiro believes his players are suffering because of the number of games they have been playing and it’s mentally exhausting for them to be consistent.

‘It’s very, very difficult’

“The performance is a 3-0, 4-0 performance but we didn’t score. So, now we are analysing the results, and that we are out. But it doesn’t have any relation with preparation, the fact that we are out,” said the Bucs mentor.

“We were tired, especially mentally tired, we are not in our best moment. When you are playing every two or three days, at least if you are winning, the mood is different and the mentality is different.”

“But when you are not getting good results, playing every two or three days is tough for the boys. It’s very very difficult.”

Despite the loss, the Spaniard still thought that his charges pulled out a great display with the intention of winning the match, but things didn’t go their way.

“The level of commitment with our process was excellent but we didn’t get the results.” 

Riveiro and his boys have an opportunity to redeem themselves when they meet Sekhukhune United in a DStv Premiership tie at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.