“The coach [Jose Riveiro] had a big impact on the club,” said Riveiro.
Mandla Ncikazi feels Orlando Pirates lacked drive and conviction during the match against TS Galaxy.
The Buccaneers were held to a 1-1 draw in a Betway Premiership match played at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday. Bandile Shandu’s opening goal in the 65th minute was cancelled by a late strike from substitute Mpho Mvelase.
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“Two points lost. I don’t think we had the same drive and conviction today that defines us. Now you start thinking where we are currently. That’s the feeling I had after [the match]. During the match, I thought we had enough opportunities [to score more goals],” said Ncikazi during a post-match conference.
Asked if Jose Riveiro’s departure from the club could have affected the players somehow, Ncikazi said, “With this result, your mind goes through a lot of things. What could be, but you cannot have one specific answer. That could be the case, but I can’t be sure. But the coach [Jose Riveiro] had a big impact on the club. I thought they [the players] would use this game as a way of celebrating his success and stay at the club. But how people respond to such disappointments and happenings is different. Unfortunately, I don’t have the capacity to measure that, but it could be a possibility.”
Ncikazi explains Chaine’s suprise substitution
Meanwhile, Ncikazi explained his surprise decision to substitute goalkeeper Sipho Chaine at half-time.
Chaine, who has been a key figure for Pirates after featuring in 44 matches in all competitions and keeping 20 clean sheets, was pulled off during the half-time break and was replaced by Melusi Buthelezi.
“Sipho had a tight Achilles tendon and we were medically advised that he could not continue with the match,” said Ncikazi.
Ncikazi also explained the absence of key midfielders Makhehlene Makhaula and Thalente Mbatha from the squad that played Galaxy on Saturday.
“In the morning, we lost [Thalente] Mbatha, he was in the team. Makhehlene Makhaula had an injury that you saw in the last match. These are human beings and the bodies would give in, but we are who we are. Maybe let’s go for the next objective, which is to give the youngsters opportunities so that we’re still able to grow.”
Pirates will next face SuperSport United at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday.
