Riveiro praises Pirates supporters after win against Chippa

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro hailed the support from the club’s fans following their 2-0 victory over Chippa United in the DStv Premiership at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.

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Riveiro’s Bucs were on top of the Chilli Boys from the start of the game, pleasing their supporters with their play as they created a number of chances to score.

The Buccaneers were able to find the back of the net through Kabelo Dlamini, who scored his first goal of the campaign, while Thembinkosi Lorch extended the lead just before half time.

It was a crucial win for Soweto giants as they reclaimed second position on the log from SuperSport United. Both teams are level on 43 points after 25 games, but Riveiro’s charges have a better goal difference.

“We got excellent support, I have to say that today (Saturday) the fans were all the way behind us and it helps a lot when you have to face these types of games,” Riveiro told SuperSport TV after the game.

“I think we had a really good first half, we managed to dictate a very high tempo and due to that we created several chances good enough to get a lead. It’s a big advantage going in 2-0 at half-time. The second half obviously the opponent has to do something different, take more risks and they did it.

Having gone into the break on a 2-0 lead, the visitors failed to add to their goal scoring tally and Riveiro says it was because they didn’t enjoy a much ball possession as they did in the first half. However, he was pleased with the display.

“We didn’t suffer so much but we didn’t have the same amount of possession … not that much in their half like we did in the first half but overall I’m so happy with the performance,” the Bucs coach added.

Synergies

Riveiro also added that it is important for his players to always be ready, like Dlamini, who hasn’t started many of the games, particularly in the first round of the season.

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“It is not a secret, the language in football is tactical and for that you need to create synergies between the players when they have the possibility to compete together, not only to train together, it becomes easier. I am happy to have the players ready to play, to have the opportunity to select them – that is the most important thing from now until the end.”