By Micheal Madyira
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has disclosed how his team managed to snatch a point away from Mamelodi Sundowns during Saturday’s Premier Soccer League match at Loftus Versfeld.
The Buccaneers defied being a man down for the better part of the second half, following the sending off of Miguel Timm to force a 1-1 draw with the PSL defending champions.
It was a stubborn display by Pirates and Riveiro admits they arrived in Tshwane as inferior opponents.
But the Spaniard discloses how they managed to neutralise Sundowns’ strong areas to match their hosts.
“Well, without it you cannot pretend to compete with this team,” said Riveiro as per SuperSport.
“I’m not going to use the word ‘aggressive’. I will say we were at the same level as them. It doesn’t matter that they are used to having 70% of possession.
“But the truth is that sometimes what wins games for them is exceptional defending.”
It was a match in which Sundowns were limited from creating scoring opportunities, especially in the first half.
“We always talk about them when they are attacking,” Riveiro said.
“But defending, they are a very committed side and with their players, there is not only technical talent but also conditional and physical talent as well.
“So, if we don’t go in with the same intention, there’s no chance because football is a game of contacts.
“And you cannot expect that every contact is going to be a foul. If you want to really compete with these guys, you have to play at the same level and then at least ask questions of them.”
So determined were Pirates that Sundowns new signings Thembinkosi Lorch and Matias Esquivel struggled to make an impact.
Masandawana coach Rhulani Mokwena has issued a verdict on his January additions.
“With Lorch, the pressure, the talks, his former club, all the other things also did help for him,” Mokwena told the media.
“Matias still needs to adapt to the league, the intensity, the way we want to play, so that’s difficult for him and the language doesn’t make it easier.
“But we can all get better, we can all improve and the first person who can improve is me: that’s number one.”
Other new signings Zuko Mdunyelwa and Tashreeq Matthews are yet to make their debut.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns’ Thembinkosi Lorch tries to intercept Orlando Pirates forward Evidence Makgopa.
Image source: Orlando Pirates
