Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is delighted that his team has shown great improvement this year after securing a 1-0 win over Magesi FC on Sunday without playing so well.
Pirates struggled to break down 10-man Magesi, who played with a man less from the 39th minute after Lehlonohlo Mokone saw a straight red card, with their breakthrough coming from a moment of brilliance after they had numerical advantage.
Relebohile Mofokeng curled in a stunning strike on the stroke of halftime and with Wonderboy Makhubu missing a penalty shortly after, the Buccaneers held firm to claim all three points.
Riveiro impressed by improvements
However, Riveiro admits his team were lucky to get all three points but credits their improvements in winning mentality and experience as the reason why they managed to claim all three points.
“The most important thing is usually the result and today was really difficult circumstances to play football for both teams, not only for Pirates, let’s be fair, and due to that, probably not our best game, not the best entertainment we could give the fans,” Riveiro said after the match.
“They came here in numbers to support the team. But I’m happy that we managed [to keep a clean sheet] and a good performance in the first half to take three points, to keep pushing, keep running, keep fighting.
“[It’s] just one way to close an exceptional 2024 for the club, this team, this group with one victory. Last year with the same game, same performance, we could finish this game with a 1-1 or even worse, so the team is competing very well.”
Will Pirates sustain the charge?
Pirates end what has been a great year second on the log with 27 points, just three behind Mamelodi Sundowns, but with a match in hand over the Brazilians.
Riveiro’s men have improved greatly to make the title race tight so far, having played 10 league games.
Pirates will now turn their focus to the CAF Champions League where they host Ivorian side Stade d’Abidjan on January 4.
