After watching his team exit the Carling Knockout last night, Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro says his side desperately needs to return to winning ways.

The Buccaneers were bundled out of the league cup following a 5-4 penalty shootout defeat to struggling Richards Bay at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. This was Riveiro’s first elimination from a domestic knockout competition since his arrival in South Africa in June last year, having won all three cup trophies on offer, and the Spaniard was left to rue their wastefulness.

“We’re creating more than ever. I’m sure you’re used to taking the data after the games – our numbers right now are ridiculous,” said Riveiro, adding: “It’s difficult to explain how we finish games with zero or one goal, but I don’t believe in luck. I’m not a person who, as you know, tries to add more drama to the drama by saying we’re very unlucky.

“We’re not unlucky, we’re getting what we deserve because this is a game based on putting the ball in the net and we are missing that part of the game, and it’s in our hands to persist and continue to make things change… soon!”