Riviero keeps feet on ground after Sundowns draw: 'We still have one more game'

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riviero downplayed their tactical management of Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, saying they still have one more game to play against them.

Pirates held the defending domestic treble winners to a draw in their MTN8 first-leg semi-final at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

They not only kept Sundowns quiet to a point where they didn't have a shot on target, but also snapped a five-game losing streak against the Tshwane giants.

READ | Sundowns, Pirates play to cracking but goal-less draw in MTN8 'Star Derby' semi-final

Riviero was quick to point out that their job was far from done and that they still have four more league games before the 22 October game in Polokwane.

"We have one more game to play. This was just the first leg," Riviero said.

"This is a 180-minute game, but we can't complain. We did our best to get a better advantage to go to the second leg in a better position.

"It wasn't always possible, but we came close, but we still created chances and got to go towards the goal.

"We have one more game, so we'll see how we take the initiative and the risks because it's a knock-out game.

"We've got four league games before that game, so we'll need to focus on those games."

Pirates also used the game to field new signing Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, who put in an energetic man-of-the-match performance.

Ndlondlo may be slight in build, but his pace and accurate passing kept Sundowns busy throughout the game.

Riviero said he wasn't the type to praise individual performances but added that Ndlondlo did enough at training to force a starting place.

RECAP | MTN8 semi-final | Orlando Pirates v Mamelodi Sundowns

"I'm not too big on individual accolades and stuff like that, but I'm happy for the boy," Riviero said.

"He's