Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro says his side “just gave too much to” Sekhukhune United following their defeat in the DStv Premiership.

The Buccaneers suffered their first defeat in five league matches following their 2-1 defeat to Sekhukhune after goals from Vusimuzi Mncube and Linda Mntambo cancelled out a goal from Tshegofatso Mabasa at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Despite the defeat, Pirates moved up to fourth place in the DStv Premiership standings with 33 points from 21 games, while Sekhukhune are placed third on the same number of points with a game in hand over the Buccaneers.

Riveiro admits his side gave Sekhukhune too much room and space on the pitch to make them “feel comfortable” which ultimately led to the Sea Robbers walking away with no points.

“We played well after the goal, we played very shy before the goal, I think that’s the summary of the game; lots of doubt in the build-up, in the first 30 minutes, even though there were a hell of spaces and opportunities for us,” Riveiro told on SuperSport TV after .

“But we couldn’t, we were not in the right space to do it. We conceded one goal and then the game became different after that, we were not shy anymore and I think we generated a lot of football today to get a reward but it was impossible.

“We did a lot of touches in the last 30 minutes of the match and we’re going (home) with zero (points).

“It’s not because of the names on the field, it’s because of the attitude, 1-0 down you have nothing to lose and you start to play with a little bit more risk but we need to assume those risks early in the game when we’re nil-nil because that’s our intention when we’re coming to the games.

“And today we just gave too much to Sekhukhune in the beginning to feel comfortable with their game plan and that’s why we’re going out of this game with zero points,” he concluded.

Photo by Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix