Jose Riveiro salutes Orlando Pirates’ courage - Betway Premiership

Orlando Pirates v Golden Arrows:

Photo Credit: Orlando Pirates media.

Coach Jose Riveiro has saluted his Orlando Pirates players for their courageous 2-1 win against Golden Arrows in South Africa’s Betway Premiership on Tuesday.

The Spaniard, who will leave Orlando Pirates at the end of the season, said his charges had to overcome their opponents’ high pressing, especially in the first half.

“We struggled a little bit in the first half with the high pressing of Golden Arrows. They made an extraordinary effort. In the second half, we found different solutions. The team showed a lot of courage in the last part of the game. If you look at the amount of fatigue, it is not easy to compete here in these circumstances. I think the team showed that we came here to play seriously and get the three points,” Riveiro said.

Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi said he could not fault his players despite the defeat.

“It was unfortunate that we lost. We had a very good first half where we could have scored as many goals, as you can imagine, against a very good team. But unfortunately, if you don't take your chances, you get punished,” Mngqithi said.

“The second half was balanced. We had moments, and they had moments too, but they took their chances. I am very proud of how the guys played. The energy levels were very good and the intensity was at a high level. We played the ball in the way we should be playing all the time.”

The Buccaneers were the first to score through Patrick Maswanganyi in the 51st minute, but Arrows levelled matters courtesy of Siyanda Mthanti. Tshegofatsa Mabaso scored the winner for the visitors in the 72nd minute.

The second consecutive defeat leaves Arrows second from the bottom, just three points ahead of Cape Town City, while Pirates are in second place, six points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.