Jose Riveiro unimpressed with conditions of Sundowns defeat

Grant Kekana opened the scoring in the top-of-the-table Betway Premiership clash on 13 minutes.

Lucas Costa added a second with 27 minutes on the clock. Deon Hotto pulled a goal back for Pirates with 57 minutes played, but Costa restored the Brazilians' advantage just two minutes later, as Teboho Mokoena sealed the result with his goal with 12 minutes pf the match remaining.

It was a massive result for Sundowns in their bid to retain their top-flight title as they ended the afternoon nine points clear of second-placed Bucs, although having played a game more.

Reflecting on the game, Riveiro didn't want to pin the result on the poor playing surface, but did admit it gave Sundowns a clear advantage.

He said in the Citizen: "Whatever I say about the pitch will be a big headline on social media tomorrow, and I don't want to give you that chance to show that I'm justifying what happened on the field, because it was the same field for Sundowns as well.

"Remember what I said before; they managed to find a way to win the game despite the circumstances under which this game was played. Now you're journalists, and you were here watching the game. At the same time, I'm sure Sundowns aren't happy with the field, with the players they have, and the football they want to play.

"It was not an advantage for Sundowns, and it's a pity that the game was played on this field because it's not helping anyone – the game, the football, and the risk of injuries in every single action. There's a high risk of injury for both teams. 

"So please don't, for a second, take this comment as me saying we lost because of the field. But it's true that the game was played in very difficult conditions for both Sundowns and Pirates."