Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro acknowledged that the absence of a head coach likely impacted Magesi FC's performance in their recent league encounter.
Pirates secured a narrow 1-0 victory, a stark contrast to their previous meeting in the Carling Knockout Cup, where Magesi stunned the Buccaneers 3-2 on their way to lifting the trophy.
This marked Riveiro's third encounter with Magesi FC, having previously guided the PSL All-Stars to a 3-0 victory over them in the Carling Black Label Cup.
Following the match at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Riveiro acknowledged that Magesi FC's recent coaching changes might have presented challenges for them.
However, he emphasized their competitiveness throughout the match and expressed satisfaction with Pirates' hard-fought victory.
WHAT RIVEIRO SAID ABOUT MAGESI
“The Carling Cup in Orlando, I think that game was really weird, really strange,” said Riveiro.
“We had a good 30 minutes and suddenly from nowhere we were 3-0 down. What is different probably the moment of Magesi is not the same.
“They are in a difficult moment in terms of results without coach Clinton [Larsen] right now, starting a new period with a new coach.
“So, many things, games are always different. It’s not the same playing in Orlando than playing here. So, many components but in the end a competitive match I’m happy with the 1-0.”
