Second place finish is still in our hands, says Pirates coach Riveiro

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro says he expected a difficult game against Sekhukhune United, but not as tough as it was following their 1-1 draw at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

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Riveiro and his Pirates charges were desperate to get maximum points in the clash against Sekhukhune, with the Sea Robbers on a quest for a runners-up finish in the DStv Premiership, which will qualify them for next season’s Caf Champions League.

Pirates took the lead through Terrence Dvukamanja but Edwin Gyimah equalised and second-placed Pirates are now only ahead of SuperSport United on goal difference, with one game left to play in the season.

“It was a difficult game, and what we expected….but not as tough as it was in terms of the way they defended and the structure that they used,” said the Bucs coach.

“So, we tried to adjust. But this this is something that opponents use when they come to Orlando.

“They do things differently. We were patient enough in the first-half, and we got the lead, but it was not enough. We gave them metres (space) and an opportunity to come into our box,” said Reveiro.

“Due to that, they got a lot of set-pieces and from one of them, they got the goal.”

However, the Bucs mentor is worried about the club’s chances of finishing as runners-up in the DStv Premiership.

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He hopes that the Ghost (Pirates supporters) will fill the Moses Mabhida Stadium when they take on AmaZulu FC in their last game of the season on Saturday.

“You can correct me if I am wrong, but it is still in our hands to get the second spot when we win next week in Durban, that’s our objective now. Hopefully, the Buccaneers (supporters) will fill up the stadium and we can celebrate the second position,” Riveiro added.

Pirates are currently on 51 points, the same as SuperSport United but Pirates’ goal difference (+15) is superior to SuperSport’s (+13).

While Pirates will be clashing with Usuthu, SuperSport will be battling out with Sekhukhune United in Polokwane.