Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro criticised his team’s lack of finishing after a 1-0 Premiership loss to Maritzburg United on Sunday at Harry Gwala Stadium.
After two victories over Royal AM in the league and the MTN8 in KZN, it was anticipated that the Pirates would continue their winning ways in the province.
A penalty from Amadou Soukouna resulted in a loss for the Pirates, who remained third in the rankings.
Pirates were the better team, particularly in the second half, as they produced scoring opportunities that were either missed or blocked by Maritzburg’s defence.
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Riveiro praised Maritzburg’s defence after the defeat, which was his second in eight matches, for keeping them scoreless on the night.
“I think Pirates produced more scoring chances than the opponent, especially in the second half. But we didn’t play with enough depth,” Riveiro said.
“In our attack, we were a bit stuck in the lateral lanes and corridors. And in the middle positions, they controlled the positions of our strikers as well.
“When they stole the ball, and played behind our defence, there was some risk. But it was under control. In the second half there was only one team.
“But we couldn’t capitalise on the chances that we created. We were unlucky. At the end of the day you’ll make your own opinions on what happened.”
Riveiro believes that the referee made a mistake by giving Maritzburg a penalty after Olisa Ndah barely made contact with Siboniso Conco in the penalty box.
“Obviously not. That was not a penalty,” Riveiro said of the incident.