Jose: The Pain Is Bad
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro likened the pain of their Nedbank Cup final loss to Kaizer Chiefs to the disappointment of their CAF Champions League semi-final defeat against Pyramids.
He admitted that such losses often lead to sleepless nights due to the intensity of the disappointment.
Defending champions Pirates succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against a trophy-hungry Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final at a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
This marked Riveiro’s first loss in the Nedbank Cup since his arrival in June 2025. Prior to this match, his team had enjoyed a remarkable 14-game unbeaten run in the competition, culminating in victories in the previous two editions.
The defeat also ended Pirates’ hopes of securing a sixth consecutive victory against Chiefs, following their 2-1 league derby win at FNB Stadium the previous weekend.
“Both,” Riveiro responded when legendary commentator Mark Gleeson asked him at the post-match press conference to compare the pain of the two losses.
Pirates were eliminated from the CAF Champions League after a 3-2 aggregate loss to Pyramids, following a draw in the first leg in South Africa and a defeat in the second leg away.
“Even against Sekhukhune United [in the league match]. Every game that we lose, you can ask the players how they feel; for me, it is the same,” Riveiro explained.
“For me, every day is an opportunity to beat somebody, and when you don’t achieve that, especially when you are competitive, you don’t sleep.”
“I understand that on Saturday, it was a big game, it was a cup final, but ultimately, it is still a loss.”
Pirates, currently second in the Betway Premiership with 52 points after 23 matches, face a quick turnaround as they host Golden Arrows in a league return fixture at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday. These two teams previously met last Tuesday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, with Pirates securing a victory.
“On Sunday, we go again [to prepare] because it’s going to be a tough test,” Riveiro stated. “One more time, in the league. This is football, this is a sport, this is a competition. Losing a final like on Saturday is an opportunity for everyone to understand how difficult it is to win a final.”
“What this group achieved in the past – five consecutive final wins – is something exceptional, something that we must give value to.”
