Kaizer Chiefs' poor run since the restart of the season was reflected in the stands at FNB Stadium in the Soweto Derby after they were dominated by Orlando Pirates, and coach Jose Riveiro opened up on a changed atmosphere of 'dominance'.
The Naturena-based side opened their season with three successive goalless draws, including being knocked out of the Nedbank Cup by second-tier side Milford FC on penalties in the first round.
Although they scraped a 1-0 win over Golden Arrows prior to the Soweto Derby, for the first time in a long time, the Glamour Boys were dominated by the Sea Robbers in the stands in a 3-2 defeat to their arch-rivals in their regular home venue.
Riveiro, speaking to journalists in a post-match conference, confirmed that they felt the dominance of Pirates fans in the stands and that gave his charges a big boost to come back twice and eventually win a five-goal thriller.
"You're totally right (about Pirates dominance in the stands), I think the atmosphere from the warm-up was something else, the energy in this stadium I can tell you that it's very special," Riveiro told reporters at FNB Stadium.
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"And they (Pirates fans) made it possible. I think the last derby was the opposite, there was a majority of Chiefs fans. Today, I think the Pirates fans dominated the stands as well and it's probably one of the reasons we performed the way we did.
"Because we didn't feel like, hmm, when things are not going the way you want. I think they were always supporting and cheering and not putting so much stress in the boys. They did a fantastic job to help us come back two times. It could be nice to have this atmosphere in each and every game," he
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