Snl24 | Pirates give up title pursuit? Riveiro responds

POLOKWANE, SOUTH AFRICA – MARCH 30: Jose Riveiro coach of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership match between Sekhukhune United and Orlando Pirates at Peter Mokaba Stadium on March 30, 2024 in Polokwane, South Africa. (Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images)

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has weighed in on his side’s title chances after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Moroka Swallows.

The Buccaneers needed to come from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw against the Dube Birds in what is dubbed ‘the original Soweto Derby’ at Dobsonville Stadium on Wednesday night.

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The stalemate means the gap between the Buccaneers and log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns has widened to 15 points, with the latter having three games in hand.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, the Spaniard seemingly conceded that the league title is out of his side’s reach, instead turning his attention to a second-spot finish.

“We are going game by game, we know which ones are our objectives and it’s clear that being first in in this league, for multiple reasons – not only one reason, for multiple reasons – is a huge challenge for everyone. For multiple reasons.

“Running for the second position this season is going to be tough, there are different candidates in very good form with the ambition to be there. 

“So, it’s going be, I think, an entertaining fight for that position that’s probably going to be resolved in the last game [of the season] I’m sure.

“We are going to do everything in order to at least finish in the second position. It’s our intention, we want to go to Africa next season.” 

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Up next for Pirates is a league clash at home against ninth-placed Lamontville Golden Arrows, to be played at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

“Arrows next one, three points, [we will] fight for it,” Riveiro added.

“It’s going to be a tough game, but I think the guys (Pirates players), as you can imagine, are not happy in the locker room because many things happened today on the field one more time, one more time, but they know they played the football that we are looking for today and with performances like this, we will get there.”

Kick-off is at 17:30.

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