Orlando Pirates saw their seven-game winning streak in the Betway Premiership come to an end on Sunday afternoon as Stellenbosch FC edged them 1-0.
A first-half strike by Devin Titus proved decisive, pushing Steve Barker’s side into third place in the league, six points behind the Buccaneers.
Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro reflected on the loss with a mix of disappointment and perspective, stating: “It wasn’t a zero-point performance. We had good chances to equalise, but as I’ve said many times, this is a scoring game. They scored, we didn’t.”
Pirates started strongly, creating early opportunities through Wayde Jooste and Deon Hotto, but failed to convert.
Riveiro highlighted the challenges posed by Stellenbosch’s defensive organisation and the pitch conditions. “The field was extremely dry, and we struggled to be precise in central areas,” he noted.
Stellenbosch’s breakthrough came in the first half when Titus capitalised on a quick transition to slot home expertly. Pirates pushed hard for an equaliser, with several promising opportunities late on, but Stellenbosch held firm.
Acknowledging Stellenbosch’s resilience, Riveiro said, “They fought incredibly for every action and deserved their three points. No dramas—nobody is invincible.
“It’s our first defeat in the league, and now we regroup and move forward.”
Pirates now turn their focus to a high-stakes clash against African champions Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League group stage on Saturday at eSgodini. The Buccaneers will look to bounce back and reassert their form in continental competition.
The loss serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead, but Riveiro remains optimistic about his team’s ability to respond: “We keep going. Recovery starts now, and we prepare for the next battle.”