Jose Riveiro blames 'bad pitch' after humiliating defeat

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Orlando Pirateshead coach Jose Riveiro has reacted following his side’s 4-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday evening at the Loftus Versfeld.

Two goals from Lucas Ribeiro, and a goal each from Grant Kekana and Teboho Mokoena�were enough to give the Brazilians all the three points at the Loftus Versfeld on a hot Saturday afternoon. A win sees Downs extend their lead in the Betway Premiership to nine points.

Speaking after the game, Jose Riveiro said the first two Downs goals could have been avoided

“They scored four; Sundowns were quite effective in front of goals today. The first two goals are coming from two accidents, the reading of both actions it’s something that we should have avoided,” he told SABC Sport.

“We lost due to the field [in bad condition], set pieces and the transition with Lucas Ribeiro, who can finish in a fantastic way.”

Jose Riveiro said his side took too many risks

“In the second half, we tried to change our approach a little bit; we took too many risks, and we came close with a 2-1 score. I think in that moment, the game was more on the side of Pirates but they reacted, they managed to find the net again and after third goal the game was over for us,” Riveiro added.

Defeat leaves the Buccaneers nine points behind Masandawana having played 14 matches this season. Jose Riveiro’s men have suffered their third league defeat of the campaign despite a promising start which saw them win their opening seven matches.