Jose Riveiro Proud After Winning Another MTN 8 Title!

Jose Riveiro Proud After Winning Another MTN 8 Title! The Buccaneers defeated Masandawana over the past weekend. 

Orlando Pirates beat Mamelodi Sundowns on penalties to be crowned the MTN 8 champions for a successive season. Head coach Jose Riveiro was left proud of his players after their display.

Orlando Pirates 0:0 Mamelodi Sundowns (Pirates Won 3:1 on penalties) – MTN 8 Final

The Buccaneers won their second consecutive top 8 title by claiming this victory. Although the game ended 0-0 after 120 minutes, it was not for the lack of trying. 

Both sides created great opportunities to find the back of the net, with Sundowns having more of these opportunities. However, Sipho Chaine was the hero for The Bucs as he made three penalty saves.

“I feel proud of the performance of our team,” Riveiro told SuperSport TV. 

“It was difficult, very difficult not only because of the level of the opponent but also it was a pity for both teams that we have to fight with very difficult conditions to play football. the worst conditions that you can find to play football

“There’s nothing that can affect more the way of playing than the wind, much more than rain or whatever. It’s two different games when you’re playing against the wind and then when the wind is blowing for you.

“I think neither team could manage to play consistently, the way we want to play due to that. And in the second half, we suffered a lot when we started to accumulate fatigue, the level that Sundowns have on the ball, the speed in their passing and the pressing.

“The wind didn’t allow us to do it in the air, on the grass, they were pressing very high because they know how to do it well and the wind was helping, so there were a couple of moments where we were defending to the limits and we had some luck in some certain moments.

“But we did not concede due to the exceptional job that our centre defenders did and [Sipho] Chaine as well.

“It was the kind of performance that you will not remember because of the football but you will remember in terms of fighting commitment. You need to really want it and if you want it badly enough, more than the opponent, then you are a step closer. 

“Football is not only about possession or the number of passes, sometimes you need some other things and we did it well.” He stated.

Man of the Match: Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates). Jose Riveiro Proud After Winning Another MTN 8 Title!