‘It was the same field for Sundowns as well’
Orlando Pirates supporters are having a good day at work today. Mamelodi Sundowns were too ruthless but on a bad Loftus Versfeld pitch.
Mamelodi Sundowns virtually ended Orlando Pirates‘ Betway Premiership championship dream with a humiliating 4-1 win. Was the bad pitch at Loftus a major factor?
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS 4-1 ORLANDO PIRATES
Grant Kekana’s header, followed by two goals from Lucas Ribeiro and a Teboho Mokoena shot, gave the Sundowns a nine-point lead at the top of the league. However, the pitch was clearly horrendous. According to Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro, it was still not a valid excuse.
“Whatever I say about the pitch will be a big headline on social media tomorrow, and I don’t want to give you that chance to show that I’m justifying what happened on the field, because it was the same field for Sundowns as well,” Riveiro said in a post-match press conference.
“Remember what I said before; they managed to find a way to win the game despite the circumstances under which this game was played. Now you’re journalists, and you were here watching the game. At the same time, I’m sure Sundowns aren’t happy with the field, with the players they have, and the football they want to play.
“It was not an advantage for Sundowns, and it’s a pity that the game was played on this field because it’s not helping anyone – the game, the football, and the risk of injuries in every single action. There’s a high risk of injury for both teams. So please don’t, for a second, take this comment as me saying we lost because of the field. But it’s true that the game was played in very difficult conditions for both Sundowns and Pirates,” concluded the Spaniard.
DO YOU AGREE WITH JOSE RIVEIRO?
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