Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has shed some light on why head coach Jose Riveiro was sent off against All Stars FC on Saturday evening.
The Buccaneers beat the Motsepe Foundation Side thanks to second-half goals by Monnapule Saleng and Thembinkosi Lorch, who scored on his return to the team.
However, they had to make due without their head coach on the sidelines after the sent off by referee Xola Sitela in the 66th minute.
After the match, Ncikazi was on media duty and confirmed that Riveiro was shown a red card due to foul language being used.
“From what I heard from the officials, maybe the language that was used,” he told SuperSport TV.
“I don’t know what was said was not permissible in the field of play, that’s all they said.
“But I’m not sure what really happened.”
Ncikazi also praised his side for coming out tops in difficult weather conditions at Bidvest Stadium.
“It was my biggest worry, more than the opponents I was worried about the weather conditions when it was raining like it was raining,” he added.
“But I’m just excited that the players adapted, the players could suit to the conditions and we could score two goals, we could’ve scored more and I’m happy we’re into the next round, that’s important to me.”
