Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has given his verdict of their 0-0 draw against Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership match.
The Buccaneers were unable to exploit their numerical advantage against Stellenbosch FC, who had Brian Onyango dismissed in the 35th minute for denying Tshegofatso Mabasa a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
This setback leaves Pirates trailing league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by 18 points, after Sundowns defeated AmaZulu FC 2-0 to further extend their lead at the summit of the table.
Following the match, Pirates coach Jose Riveiro acknowledged the difficulty of playing against a determined ten-man Stellenbosch side.
He expressed his belief that his team outperformed their opponents in creating scoring opportunities but lamented their failure to convert these chances.
Riveiro concluded by stating the match was challenging, and refrained from elaborating further, fearing his comments might be perceived as excuses.
RIVEIRO GIVES HIS THOUGHTS ON STELLENBOSCH DRAW
“I think we were better against 11, ” Riveiro told SuperSport after the game as quoted by Soccer Laduma.
“Both teams trying to win the match. The moment the opponent is playing with ten, there is intention to win anymore so there is less spaces to play.
“We try but I'm not sure we create enough motions in the box tonight. It's true that we were in control, we have a few chances to win the match but we didn't finalise so many chances today.
“It was so difficult, but whatever I say is going to sound like an excuse but to play here and be precise cannot be in the same sentence.
“We take it. It's one point, obviously not the result we were looking for. We want to win every game but we need to understand there is an opponent that's in front working hard trying to protect the result and they did a good job.”
