After succumbing to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns on Friday, Orlando Pirates mentor José Riveiro was left waxing lyrical about Ronwen Williams’ splendid performance.
The 45-year-old Spaniard was the first to admit that the Bafana Bafana goalminder kept them at bay. The former SuperSport United captain denied them several chances that could have helped them salvage at least a point.
After the thrilling match, Riveiro said: “We created so many chances in the first half from [Monnapule] Saleng, but well again Williams showed his level as a goalkeeper, and we had one more from Tapelo Xoki where Williams did well again.
RONWEN WILLIAMS MADE THE DIFFERENCE
“So we can say Williams was the main name when the game was close for Pirates to get in the lead.
“They used their chances, a good set piece, and it was a pity for us in the second half when the situation changed.”
Mothobi Mvala and Cassius Mailula were on target for Masandawana as they cemented pole position on the log.
For Riveiro, Williams made the difference in both halves for the Chloorkop giants. Sundowns have collected 31 points from 13 games, with high hopes of remaining on course in their title defence.
TACTICAL PROWESS
And coach Rulani Mokwena attributes everything to his team’s tactical prowess.
“It was a gallant effort against this difficult team. It’s very difficult to open a program like this after close to two months on a break.
“The game belongs to the players before going much into tactical details. At the start of the season, I spoke of this diamond, that it’s complicated and needs a little bit of time. But when it comes up, it’s very difficult to stop the triangulation because it has many things,” he said.
RELATED STORY: Ronwen Williams: turning tragedy into success
