Riveiro On Pirates Moving Top: We Had To Bounce Back

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro emphasized the importance of bouncing back from their Carling Knockout Round of 16 elimination by Magesi FC over the weekend.

Pirates’ 2-0 victory over SuperSport United at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday in the Betway Premiership propelled them to the top of the league table.

Despite dominating the game and creating numerous chances, Pirates were content with the result, securing their fourth consecutive league win of the season. This achievement is a first for the club since the 2002/03 season, when they went on to win the league title.

Mamelodi Sundowns, the previous league leaders, have an opportunity to reclaim the top spot with a win over Royal AM on Wednesday.

“It was very important three points and we had a good game after what happened two days ago,” said Riveiro on SuperSport TV after the game. 

“It’s so difficult to play against this team, you have to be in good level, good in physical part of the game. But it is always nice to play against them and it is nice to collect our fourth victory and we keep going.”   

Pirates will have a brief respite before hosting AmaZulu at Orlando Stadium on Friday. AmaZulu is currently at the bottom of the table without a win this season. But, just like SuperSport who has struggled to beat Pirates at Orlando Stadium, AmaZulu has not defeated Pirates at the venue since it was reopened in 2008, as games are coming thick and fast.   

Riveiro acknowledged the psychological impact of consecutive wins. “In this type of moments of the season, it goes without saying that winning is very important,” Riveiro said. 

“Also, the recovery. Psychologically, you might be feeling good after getting three points, but it is going to be difficult to repeat it in getting another three points. It is so difficult to win more than two games in a row in our stadium, but we are going to try as AmaZulu is a good team and they will be a tough opponent again like everyone when they come here to Orlando.  

“But we are going to find ourselves in good shape.”