Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro now blames 'rugby field' Athlone for Stellenbosch FC draw - 'It was impossible'

Jose Riveiro and his Orlando Pirates team were away at Athlone Stadium to play Stellenbosch in the Premier Soccer League outing.

Despite being reduced to 10 players in the 35th minute, the hosts fought hard to ensure they got a point.

Riveiro has not beaten Stellenbosch away in the Premier Soccer League.

On Tuesday, he had a massive opportunity to end that unwanted run, especially after the sending-off of Brian Onyango.

He has now turned the blame on the Athlone surface, claiming it made it hard for his players to deliver.

“We did well to find ourselves in good positions in the last phase of the attack, it was just impossible to be precise playing on a rugby field,” he stated.

“The moment you create a little bit of an advantage the defender has an extra second because you need two or three contacts on the ball before you can play. You cannot play football like this, you need a bit of luck.”

The result means Pirates are now 18 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who lead the race for the title with 58 points.

Bucs have four matches at hand and will have a massive opportunity to reduce the gap when they play Masandawana on Sunday at the FNB Stadium.