“I think it’s always an ugly (game) when you play at the Old Peter Mokaba,” says Riveiro.
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro was not happy with the standard of the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium despite his team’s victory over Polokwane City at the same venue on Saturday.
A fortune goal by defender Nkosinathi Sibisi was enough to give the Buccaneers a 1-0 win over Rise and Shine.
READ MORE: Pirates edge Polokwane City to close gap on Sundowns
Despite the victory that saw Pirates closing the gap on log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns to 12 points, Riveiro could not hide his disgust about the pitch in his post match interview.
“I think it’s always an ugly (game) when you play at the Old Peter Mokaba. The state of the field is terrible, slow, bumpy and not a football ground, so you have to find a way to not concede and be patient and wait for opportunities,” Riveiro told SuperSport TV.
Riveiro was delighted that despite playing in an “ugly” pitch, Pirates were still able to walk away with the victory.
“We had a lot of quality and opportunities and this time {our goal) came from a set-pice. It’s a massive three points and I’m so happy to collect three points because not everyone can do it, against a very disciplined team that today was running an extra mile.”
Riveiro lauds Pirates after City victory
The Spaniard added that the hard-fought victory over Polokwane City showed that Pirates really want to win the league title this season.
“They want to win. They have been showing they want to win since day one this season, so nobody can say the opposite. The players also wanted to win the game. We spoke at half-time and we felt it was coming, we had to be patient, we had to continue and in one of those chances, one set-piece or special situation we need to capitalise and we defended well,”
“We’re playing every game at the limit, three more points, now we have to go to the Champions League, then another final in the Nedbank, like I said before the game, it’s the consequence after being competitive since day one.
ALSO READ: Fans call for Mosimane as Pirates announce Riveiro’s departure
“These players, this group, this coaching staff, they are doing wonders this season, let’s continue until the end,” concluded Riveiro who will leave Pirates at the end of the season.
