Jose Riveiro responds to boos from Orlando Pirates fans after surprise decision and stadium pitch - 'I know people will think I’m crazy'

Orlando Pirates beat Cape Town City 2-1 on Saturday afternoon in the Premier Soccer League game staged at the Orlando Stadium.

Haashim Domingo had put the visitors ahead with a fine strike before Tshegofatso Mabasa and Goodman Mosele responded for the Buccaneers.

Coach Jose Riveiro concedes it was a tough outing, but is delighted that his team eventually came out top. He now believes his team can collect maximum points at home.

“We will know at the end of the season how crucial it is, we play home here we don’t want to drop points here. Again, I think we really superior to the opponent especially in the first half,” he said after the game.

“The second one, difficult with interruptions, substitutes. The rhythm is usually a little bit low, but we managed to find courage in the last 15 minutes to put them in the box, to create not beautiful chances but chances enough to get the three points."

The Pirates coach then explained how City even made it tougher, “Well, teams compete in a special way when they are coming here.

"They are in front of big crowds and in front of Orlando Pirates. We knew that Cape Town was one of those teams that use to run the extra mile when they played against us. It’s fine, three points, so happy.

“In these types of games you feel you are in possession, in control, but you’re not because the opponent has 60 metres to run behind you by the time you recover the ball. It’s impossible with precise in this field," Riveiro added.

Coach Riveiro has further explained why at times his team struggled to pass the ball.

“I know people will think I’m crazy because it’s looking nice in camera, but it’s so difficult to be precise when the pitch is dry," the Spaniard continued.

"It didn’t rain today and it was difficult to play with the speed in the last minutes.

“A lot of indecisions and mistakes and those mistakes develop in a transition for them. Again, we managed to double up the lead, double up the advantage and three points for us."

The majority of the fans at Orlando Stadium were not happy when Makhehleni Makhaula was subbed for Goodman Mosele. They felt it was not a good move especially since the team was trailing and they reacted by filling the venue with boos.

"We needed a different type of midfielder at that moment of the game," Riveiro clarified.

"There was a situation where we tried to get benefits with our midfielders because of the way they were defending in one of the sides.

“That’s why he came in - Mosele because he is a different profile than Cass at that moment I think. Good job from Makhaula I think in the first 45 – 60 minutes and then Mosele completes the job."

Orlando Pirates will now turn their attention to Tuesday's game against Marumo Gallants.

They are 12 points behind leaders Sundowns and dropping points is not an option.