Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro delighted to have ‘beautiful soul’ Tapelo Xoki back from lengthy injury at crucial stage of the season - ‘He’s one of our leaders’

Orlando Pirates kicked off their Nedbank Cup title defence with a hard-fought victory over Richards Bay FC.

Patrick Maswanganyi’s brace and a late goal from Tshegofatso Mabasa secured their progression to the last 16.

However, coach Jose Riveiro voiced concerns about the poor playing conditions, which affected the quality of the match.

Despite these challenges, Riveiro expressed satisfaction with the team's effort and highlighted the importance of Tapelo Xoki’s return after an extended injury layoff.

Xoki’s presence provides the squad with added depth and leadership as the team targets more trophies this season.

"The best thing you can get here is to be in the next round, I'm so sorry for the players both sides that they had to play football in this conditions today, it's terrible," Riveiro said on SuperSport as reported by Kickoff.

"But happy with the result, we're in the next round, I think we don't have injuries, so yeah thanks to the boys for the effort, because I think a really good effort in the first-half.

"Due to the conditions, I think they did more than enough to play and get the advantage, not a good beginning of the second-half and from then on the coach didn't help them so much from the sides.

"I think I made a couple of mistakes in the last part of the game, we should have suffered a little bit less than what we did but credit to the opponent, they pushed as well. It's difficult to play away from home."

"Tapelo is one of the leaders of the group, a beautiful soul, an excellent human being, a good professional. So we're all happy to see him on the field, one of our leaders, one of our main players, so it's good news for the team," Riveiro said.

Pirates are vying for three more trophies this season, including the league, Caf Champions League, and Nedbank Cup.

Xoki’s return not only strengthens their defensive options but also bolsters the team with his leadership qualities.

His contributions will be essential as the Buccaneers aim to add another trophy to the MTN 8 already secured earlier in the season.

The Buccaneers will turn their attention to the Soweto Derby, the most anticipated clash in South Africa, where they face Kaizer Chiefs.

A victory is crucial to narrowing the gap on log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.