Former Orlando Pirates star, Lebohang “Cheeseboy” Mokoena, has openly criticised coach José Riveiro and the Buccaneers players following their elimination from the CAF Champions League. Pirates were knocked out after suffering a 3-2 aggregate defeat to Egypt’s Pyramids FC in the semi-finals. After a goalless stalemate in Soweto, the Buccaneers were narrowly edged out in Cairo. They missed the chance to set up an all-South African final against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mokoena: “The Players Gave It Away”
Speaking on the Soccer Beat podcast, Mokoena did not hold back in his assessment. He squarely pointed the finger at both the players and their coach. He expressed frustration at the team’s failure to protect their lead on two occasions during the second leg in Cairo, costing Orlando Pirates a crucial victory.
“I’m going to be very blunt – the players gave it away,” said Mokoena. “The opportunity was there, but sometimes when you’re given a chance once or twice and you don’t take it, the third time it might never come.”
He added that the Buccaneers knew the North African sides’ strength in set-pieces. Yet they failed to manage the situation when it mattered most. “We were ahead at 2-1, yet straight after that, we conceded again. Where was the game management?” he asked. “Why didn’t Sipho Chaine employ the usual time-wasting tactics that North Africans use to disrupt the rhythm?” This misstep further hindered Orlando Pirates.
Riveiro’s Substitutions Under Fire
Mokoena also criticised Riveiro’s tactical decisions, particularly his substitutions during the crunch match at the 30 June Stadium. One of his main grievances was the withdrawal of Mohau Nkota. Mokoena described him as the team’s fastest and most dangerous outlet, pivotal for the Orlando Pirates.
“I couldn’t understand why Nkota was taken off. He was stretching their defence and giving us that outlet we needed. Once he was removed, we lost our counter-attacking threat,” Mokoena lamented.
He also pointed out the poor organisation at the back, highlighting the partnership of Tapelo Xoki and Nkosinathi Sibisi as problematic. “There was a lack of communication between them,” he observed. “They were clashing over the same balls. Against North African teams, especially when set-pieces are their main weapon, you need clear leadership at the back – and we didn’t have that with Orlando Pirates,” he added.
Orlando Pirates Now Focuses on the Betway Premiership
With their continental ambitions dashed, Pirates will now have to regroup and focus on the domestic scene. The Buccaneers are currently second on the Betway Premiership log. They trail Sundowns by nine points but have two games in hand, giving Orlando Pirates a chance to close the gap.
They face a quick turnaround, hosting Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening. Afterwards, attention will shift to one of the biggest fixtures in our country’s football calendar – the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Pirates supporters will be hoping the heartbreak in Cairo galvanises the squad. They aim to chase silverware on the home front, with Orlando Pirates determined to succeed.
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