Orlando Pirates' Caf Champions League exit blamed on Jose Riveiro - 'God gives you an opportunity once, twice and the third time it’s just never going to work out'

Former Orlando Pirates winger Lebohang Mokoena has blamed Jose Riveiro and players for Bucs elimination from the Caf Champions League.

The Sea Robbers' journey hit a dead end at the semi-final when Pyramids masterminded a 3-2 aggregate win to progress to the final at the expense of the Soweto giants.

Cheeseboy, as Mokoena is also known, said the substitutions made by the outgoing coach played a part in the team's elimination.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns star also blamed the players for surrendering their lead twice.

“I’m just going to be blunt about this; the players gave it away. It was in our hands, and sometimes God gives you an opportunity once, twice, and the third time it’s just never going to work out,” Mokoena said on Soccer Beat, as per FARPost.

“I just felt like we got the goals that we needed because we knew that we were that special when we were playing away from home. But we know that North Africans are always going to attack with set-pieces. Why couldn’t we deal with that?

“We were leading 2-1, and immediately after that, we conceded. What happened to game management? Why didn’t Sipho Chaine do those time-wasting tactics, because North African Africans do it all the time?" he concluded.

Another factor that played against Pirates is a lack of leadership, especially in defense as Mokoena said the team lacked composure.

“We needed a leader to calm the nerves down, and I didn’t understand the subs from the coach [Jose Riveiro]. You take out Nkota; he was our only outlet and the quickest player," he added.

“The combination of Tapelo Xoki and [Nkosinathi] Sibisi, the guys were just bunched up, and no one was communicating that he was going for the ball, and they were going for the same ball. We knew that this team would want to score through set-pieces, but we didn’t deal with those situations," Mokoena stated.

Despite showing determination away from home, Pirates were eventually eliminated by Pyramids. The Bucs took the lead twice, only for the Fiston Mayele-inspired home team to fight back and ensure they progress to the final, where they will face off with Mamelodi Sundowns.

However, all is not lost for the Sea Robbers this season, even though their treble dream is not achievable. They have a chance to defend the Nedbank Cup against Kaizer Chiefs.

Their Premier Soccer League dream is also alive, and that means they should not get bogged down and keep their eyes on the trophies remaining.

On April 30, Bucs will host Sekhukhune United for a league game before an away game against Amakhosi on May 3.

On May 10, the Buccaneers will be up against the Glamour Boys in the Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.