Bucs’ MOTM Hailed: ‘He’s Playing Excellent Football’ | Soccer Laduma
February 1, 2025
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 01:Jose Riveiro (Head Coach) of Orlando Pirates during the Betway Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on February 01, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 01:Jose Riveiro (Head Coach) of Orlando Pirates during the Betway Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on February 01, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro reserved some special praise the team’s Man of the Match after defeating Kaizer Chiefs.

The Buccaneers grabbed the bragging rights in the Soweto Derby, with Patrick Maswanganyi’s late penalty securing a 1-0 win at a sold out FNB Stadium.

Midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula was named Man of the Match for his display and the Spanish coach had nothing but praise for the stalwart.

Read: Late Drama As Pirates Silence Chiefs In Soweto Derby

“His game today I think is second to none,” Riveiro told SuperSport after the game.

“It’s something else, he was pushing the team in the bad moments, he was helping a lot to collect those second balls, carried the ball forward.

“He’s playing excellent football, hopefully he can continue like that for a long time.”

The Buccaneers tactician also had his say on the the penalty call awarded to his team in second-half stoppage time.

“Not really (watched replays),”he said when asked if he saw the penalty.

“I watched now in the bench in the monitor, it’s difficult to say, I’m not gonna say anything, if the referee says it’s a penalty in extra-time, it must be very clear.”

Pirates will be back in action on Wednesday evening against Sekhukhune United.

Source: https://www.snl24.com/soccerladuma/local/premiership/orlando-pirates/jose-riveiro-hails-makhehlene-makhaula-after-soweto-derby-20250201

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