Jose: The Depth of Suffering

Orlando Pirates’ coach Jose Riveiro compared the anguish of their Nedbank Cup final defeat against Kaizer Chiefs to the disappointment felt after their CAF Champions League semi-final loss to Pyramids.

He acknowledged that such losses often result in sleepless nights due to the profound disappointment they bring.

The defending champions, Pirates, suffered a 2-1 defeat to a determined Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final held at a full Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

This marked Riveiro’s first defeat in the Nedbank Cup since taking charge in June 2025. Before this match, his team had maintained an impressive 14-match unbeaten streak in the tournament, having won the last two editions.

The loss also dashed Pirates’ hopes of achieving a sixth consecutive win over Chiefs, following their recent 2-1 derby victory at FNB Stadium just a week earlier.

“Both,” Riveiro replied when legendary commentator Mark Gleeson inquired during the post-match press conference about his sentiments regarding the two defeats.

The Pirates were knocked out of 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 away leg.

“Even against Sekhukhune United [in the league match], every loss we encounter impacts how the players feel; for me, it’s an ongoing battle,” Riveiro explained.

“Each day presents an opportunity to triumph over an opponent, and when that doesn’t happen, especially for someone competitive, it leads to sleepless nights.”

“I recognize that Saturday was a vital match, a cup final, but in the end, it remains a loss.”

Pirates, currently in second place in the Betway Premiership with 52 points from 23 matches, face a quick turnaround as they prepare to host Golden Arrows in a league rematch at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday. The two teams last met the previous Tuesday at Moses Mabhida Stadium, where Pirates emerged victorious.

“On Sunday, we’ll regroup because it’s going to be a challenging match,” Riveiro remarked. “Once again, in the league. This is football, this is sport, this is competition. Experiencing a final defeat like we did on Saturday serves as a lesson for everyone regarding the challenges of winning one.”

“What this team has achieved in the past – five consecutive final victories – is remarkable and deserves recognition.”