Kwanele Kopo accuses Orlando Pirates coach of ‘abusive’ language

Kopo further alleged the derogatory words from the Spanish mentor, who guided The Buccaneers to a fourth successive cup final following the 3-1 victory at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, is the reason striker Eva Nga was later red carded. 

The Chippa mentor said this was a first in his career. 

"It's a bit of a sensitive one because I've never been insulted by a colleague, and I think neither has Thabo [September, co-coach]," said Kopo.

"And I have huge, huge respect for Orlando Pirates Football Club; huge respect for the Chairman, and the management of Orlando Pirates – it's a big, big club.

"But the language that was used towards us today is really not needed in football, and for match officials to let it go, it's really sad. Even Eva [Nga] was incited by the coach, and the officials saw it, but they didn't stop it."

Kopo further questioned Riveiro’s character, but claimed Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi was the only one from the Soweto giants technical team to show remorse.

"Some of us grew up in difficult political times, and you begin to ask yourself sometimes, 'Am I being abused because I'm who I am, I am the colour I am?' We don't have issues with Orlando Pirates," he added.

"I have huge respect for the coach of Orlando Pirates, he's a very good coach, but today he's left me with a lot of question marks. It's not an excuse for the result, but it's very, very bad for football. 

"On the same note, I'd like to compliment Coach Mandla Ncikazi – at half-time, he came and apologised, and even after the game, he's come and apologised."