Orlando Pirates, José Riveiro struggle to understand shock loss to Sekhukhune United
Following his side's shock 1-0 Betway Premiership defeat to Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening, Orlando Pirates coach José Riveiro was left trying to understand how his side lost a match at perhaps the most crucial time in their title challenge.
While Mamelodi Sundowns eased to a 3-0 win over Richards Bay at the same time, it meant that Pirates are now 12 points behind the table-toppers.
Even though Pirates still have two games in hand over Sundowns, who have played 23 matches, it means the gap is once again ballooning.
That's before Pirates enter the cauldron of the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium against Kaizer Chiefs, when the pressure will be even greater for the Buccaneers to bag all three points.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
25 minutes ago
- TimesLIVE
Ouaddou demanding set-piece efficiency from Pirates, says Mabasa
Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has given an insight into how new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is trying to improve the club's performance in set pieces ahead of the new season. 'Coach Ouaddou is trying to improve the areas where we lacked last season,' Mabasa said. 'The biggest thing I have noticed about the coach is he is very demanding, [and] he loves his players at the same time.' Ouaddou joined the Buccaneers in the off season, taking over from Jose Riveiro, and was in charge of the preseason camp in Spain. Mabasa said the Moroccan's priority is getting the team better at defending set pieces. 'He is also encouraging and similar to coach Jose. There is not a lot the coach is trying to change, just the way we defend our set pieces and how we deal with our transition too. 𝐀 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭 Orlando Pirates players participated in a successful media drive in our 2025/26 kit, followed by an exclusive pre-screening of the upcoming documentary #GiantsonDStv Don't miss the official broadcast this Sunday, 27 July at 21:00 on… — Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) July 25, 2025 'We lost the Caf Champions League [semifinal] because of the set play. We went to Pyramids, and we conceded three goals from set pieces and we were out of the tournament. 'It's funny, actually, how we lost the Champions League on a set piece, yet in the country we were the best in terms of defending that. There are a lot of things we have to take into consideration this season.' The Buccaneers bought several new players ahead of the new season. Mabasa has been impressed with how quickly they have adjusted and said their preseason camp in Spain helped bond the signings with their new teammates and Bucs' philosophy. 'The trip to Spain allowed us to integrate them [the new players] away from all the noise in the country. 'You look at [Sipho] Mbule, for example, and his performances in the friendly games; you look at [Oswin] Appollis too. Now it's just for them to come back home and do it here.' Pirates start their MTN8 title defence against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium on Saturday (3pm). MTN8 fixtures Saturday: Sunday:
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates send home trialist after short training stint
Orlando Pirates have reportedly closed the door on Zambian striker Enock Sakala Jr., ending his brief trial with the club following an unfortunate injury blow. The 23-year-old, who previously featured for Chippa United and Egyptian outfit Modern Sport, joined the Buccaneers' pre-season camp in Johannesburg at the start of July, hoping to earn a permanent contract. However, Sakala has now returned to Zambia, with little hope of signing for the Soweto giants ahead of the 2025/2026 season. Sakala impressed early on in training, showing strong intent and sharpness in front of goal. But his progress came to a sudden halt when he sustained an injury that ultimately ended his trial prematurely. 'Enock Sakala Jr. has gone back home to Zambia after picking up an injury while on trial at Pirates. He was doing well and showing signs of hunger, but the knock proved to be costly. He is unlikely to get the deal now and it's unclear if he will be getting another opportunity at the club any time soon,' said a source. The setback not only robbed Sakala of vital momentum but also forced Pirates to reconsider his potential contribution to the squad. Despite Sakala's exit, the Orlando Pirates technical team remains eager to bolster their attack. With a long and competitive season ahead, the club is actively exploring options to find the right striker to strengthen their frontline. The Buccaneers are preparing for a high-stakes campaign, and squad depth in the attacking department remains a key priority. Should a suitable candidate emerge, Pirates are ready to act swiftly in the transfer market. Do Orlando Pirates need another forward? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Still no sign that Kaizer Chiefs have found a goalscorer
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi is about to begin his second season in charge of the club and will be desperate for a prolific striker who can score goals. Photo: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers Image: Itumeleng English Independent Newspapers COMMENT On the eve of the new Betway Premiership season, the question on everyone's lips remains the same: where are the goals for Kaizer Chiefs? This would have been foremost in the minds of fans as Kaizer Chiefs have stumbled at the finish line once again, suffering a defeat to Ghanaian visitors Asante Kotoko in the Toyota Cup on Saturday. The encounter, held at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, ended goalless after 90 minutes and was ultimately decided by a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out. Marking their second consecutive year of falling short in this competition, having lost to Young Africans last year, Chiefs now face a daunting prospect as they prepare for the upcoming season. It was their sixth outing during the pre-season, and Chiefs struggled to assert their dominance in the first half. This challenge was exacerbated by the mounting pressure of expectations from their passionate supporters. Despite the hope that the pre-season clash would serve as a springboard for success, it was not to be as the match ended goalless after regulation time. The tense encounter was ultimately decided by a penalty shoot-out, where Chiefs failed to exploit their chances, limiting their efforts to seize victory. Last year, the clubs faced a similar fate against Young Africans, ending the tournament without silverware and subsequently finishing the Premiership season in a disappointing ninth position. While substitutions in the second half brought a noticeable change in intensity, it was not enough to secure victory. Notable replacements Wandile Duba, Mduduzi Shabalala, and Pule Mmodi injected life into the team, but the opportunity to clinch a win remained elusive as the penalty shoot-out brought significant uncertainty into the mix. After the match, head coach Nasreddine Nabi remained upbeat, asserting that the game provided valuable insights into the teams' performance and areas for improvement. That has been his demeanour ever since he joined Chiefs, but the fans will become impatient with him if the season does not start on a high note after two or three rounds. Nabi's sentiment fuels hope that the lessons learned from this latest setback will galvanise the Chiefs as they embark on a fresh league campaign. As Kaizer Chiefs regroup and recalibrate, they should harness this disappointment to fuel their ambitions for the season ahead. Only time will tell, but their supporters will be eagerly awaiting the chance to witness the fruits of these valuable pre-season experiences.
