Kopo: Riveiro Used F-Word To Me

Chippa United co-coach Kwanele Kopo has spoken out about allegations that Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro used offensive language, including the f-word.

Kopo’s post-match interview with SuperSport TV surprised many, claiming Riveiro swore at him, leading to a forgone handshake between the coaches. This occurred during Saturday’s Nedbank Cup semi-final at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, where Pirates emerged victorious 3-1 despite being the away team.

“…I know even our chairman (Chippa Mpengesi), as I said, we have a lot of respect for Orlando Pirates, so I’m sorry, I don’t want to make it a big issue,” Kopo began, his voice hoarse from the post-match press conference.

Kopo, appointed co-coach with Thabo September in January, remained tight-lipped about the on-field incident that resulted in referee Abongile Tom sending off Chippa striker Bienvenu Eva Ngan.

“It’s a sensitive matter,” Kopo admitted. “I was hoping to avoid discussing it altogether. I don’t want headlines about it, but coaches shouldn’t be able to hurl insults like the f-word without consequence.”

“I’m just one person,” Kopo continued, “and if you aggressively abuse me, I will respond. It’s painful considering our past. We don’t tolerate certain behaviors.”

“Hopefully, both benches can reflect on this,” Kopo proposed.

“We are coaches, we are colleagues – it shouldn’t be that after a game or the emotions get so high that you can’t even shake hands after the game, then it’s not football, it’s not a sport anymore.  

“Then we are labelled as being political, but that’s how people are threatening us. So, sad for football but good game of football.”       

Interestingly, these two teams will meet again in a league match at Orlando Stadium. Chippa likely has pleasant memories of their last visit to the iconic Soweto venue on Wednesday.