Riveiro takes blame for Pirates’ exit from Champions League

Jose Riveiro has taken the blame for Orlando Pirates’ exit from the Caf Champions League.

ALSO READ: ‘Embarrassing!’: Pirates fans react to Champions League exit

The Sea Robbers bowed out of the competition after they lost 5-4 on penalties to Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy at Orlando Stadium on Friday.

“We have a very strong group, and we know how to take care of ourselves in these difficult circumstances. So, all players are fine. But they are having a difficult night. It’s going to be a long night, a sleepless night (last Friday), especially for the coach, it’s my responsibility.

“They did everything in order to be in the next round, and I couldn’t help them enough to get a better result. But as I said, we have a strong group and we are going to take care of each other because we know what’s coming,” said the Bucs mentor.

Meanwhile, Jwaneng coach Morena Ramoreboli says he was surprised that Riveiro didn’t bring on Monnapule Saleng in the game as he was expecting the attacking midfielder to give them problems.

But, he reckons Riveiro was probably saving Saleng for Bucs’ clash with Mamelodi Sundowns in the final of the MTN8.

ALSO READ: Riveiro at a loss for words after Pirates loss in Champions League

“I honestly thought Saleng would come in because of how they were playing it was more of his game. Utilising the width more and creating the 1v1s. But maybe for reasons known to the coach and they are playing in the final (MTN8), the coach decided he can’t risk all his players,” said the Jwaneng mentor.

“But during the game, I thought Saleng was going to come in because Pirates wanted to stretch us so that they can play in the box. So, I felt that he was going to give us a problem. It happened when Kimvuidi came in, they needed someone who would hold the ball more and Karim Kimvuidi was giving them that.”