- Pirates recovered from a goal down to win 2-1
- Bucs were awarded a controversial penalty
- Riveiro believes it was a legit call by referee
WHAT HAPPENED: With Sekhukhune leading by a solitary goal courtesy of Sibusiso Vilakazi, the referee awarded Pirates a controversial penalty and Tapelo Xoki stepped up to bring teams to level terms.
Terrence Dzvukamanja then scored a late winner to hand the Sea Robbers the Nedbank Cup in front of tens of thousands that had flocked to Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Riveiro believes the referee was right to award Bucs a penalty after a handball by Victor Letsoalo.
WHAT HE SAID: "I don’t know exactly what happened, why he ended up on the grass, whether it was a fall or not," Riveiro stated.
"Then [Thembinkosi] Lorch tried to overpass him and I’ve seen the picture, where the player is touching the ball deliberately with his hand.
"But still, you can imagine, I didn’t [yet] have the opportunity to watch the action – any action of the game. So my opinion, in this case, doesn’t help anybody."
THE BIGGER PICTURE: The penalty has been the main point of discussion, with Kaizer Chiefs all-time top scorer Marks Maponyane adamant the officiating was not good.
However, the victory is a welcome relief for coach Riveiro who had been underrated by a section of football lovers in the country.
In his debut season, the Spaniard won MTN8, the Nedbank Cup, and helped the Buccaneers qualify for Caf Champions League.
WHAT NEXT: Riveiro will now start restructuring for the new campaign hoping to challenge for the Premier Soccer League trophy.
