Venda Football Academy (VFA) may have lost against Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup last 16 clash, but the Bucs coach Jose Riveiro was pleased with his opponent’s display.
VFA went down 2-1 in a match that went to extra time at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.
Also read: Chiefs through to the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals
The Motsepe Foundation Championship side looked staring down the barrel as Riveiro’s men raced into a 1-0 lead before a goal from Ex-Kaizer Chiefs player, Edmore Chirambadare turned the game on its head. But eventually, the Soweto giants claimed the victory as the club’s star, Thembinkosi Lorch netted the controversial winning goal in the extra time.
The spirit shown by Joel Masutha’s side impressed Jose Riveiro. The coach believes that the Motsepe Foundation Championship league has quality players and a higher tactical set-up.
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveito heaps praise on VFA players
The Spanish mentor, Riveiro lavished praise on the Limpopo side players whilst also considering the match as a learning opportunity.
“To be honest, it has surprised me a bit tonight from the opponent, I expected it but not in a way they did,” Riveiro told reporters after the match.
“They played quite differently compared to the way they have been in their league. But it is a typical situation that I have already experienced in the knockout rounds.
“The players have quality, even in the first division, they have quality. The technique is higher, so they feel no pressure because whatever they do here tonight is going to be great.
Also read: Pirates through to Nedbank Quarters after late win against VFA
“They had a chance to play Pirates and said let’s do it nicely, and I am glad of how they played and how brave they were. So, I take these kinds of games as part of our learning.”
Nedbank Cup last 8 teams
The Sea Robbers have progressed to the last eight, joining the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns, Chippa United, Sekhukhune United, Royal AM, giants killers Dondol Stars, with Chiefs and Stellenbosch having joined the rest on Sunday after their respective wins.
