On Tuesday, Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro condemned the behaviour of a small faction of fans who continue to jeer players they don’t like on home soil. This came after the Soweto giants recorded a resounding 4-1 win over Stellenbosch in their second successive home game at Orlando Stadium.
2022-23 DStvPrem results:
SuperSport United 1 – 1 Richards Bay FC
Orlando Pirates 4 – 1 Stellenbosch FCTshwane giants @SuperSportFC share the spoils with @RichardsBayFC_ as @orlandopirates ran riot over @StellenboschFC in Soweto. SG pic.twitter.com/OEsvOsXo2Y
— RISEfmNEWS (@RISEfmNEWS) January 23, 2023
Riveiro stated that he would understand if it was the away fans doing it and was disappointed that this behaviour was from a section of home fans. He also praised goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane for his professionalism and handling of the situation.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea not to support one of our players when he’s just about to go to field and replace one of the players, it doesn’t matter what is his name or his position,” Riveiro said in a press conference. “It’s nice when you’re playing away and the fans are bullying you and you get motivated. But it’s not that nice when you’re playing in your own ground.”
The Spanish mentor revealed that he has been pleasantly surprised by the massive support Pirates get in away matches. “When we’re playing away the support that we’re getting is crazy, I’ve never seen something like that in my life. When we play in Durban, Cape Town, whatever, in Polokwane,” he said.
“So I think we shouldn’t make an issue about this but at the same time bullying is something terrible in every scenario. It’s something we should all take very serious,” he concluded.
