Pirates Boss Delighted To Crack Cape Town Code

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro expressed his satisfaction at finally securing a victory in Cape Town. The Buccaneers secured their first win against Cape Town City in the city itself, with Tshegofatso Mabasa scoring a brace at DHL Stadium on Wednesday.

This victory propelled Pirates to second place in the DStv Premiership table with 46 points after 26 matches, leapfrogging Stellenbosch on goal difference in the process.

“I’m so happy, finally (responding to beating City for the first time away in Pirates history),” said Riveiro on SuperSport TV.

Pirates are determined to repeat their second-place finish from last season to qualify for the CAF Champions League next year.
“We are trying our best; we want the maximum points we can get this season,” he said. 

“It’s our obligation to give our all, the fans are supporting us wherever we go, they are excited about the team right now.  

“I think we are playing decent football, scoring goals, which is the most important. So, we have to behave like them, with passion, with motivation, and as I said, give our all, and let’s see who is in that position at the end of the season.”

While Mamelodi Sundowns comfortably lead the league, Pirates also boast a squad brimming with quality.

 “I’m a lucky coach. Whenever I look, I have quality players, most of them are ready to play, they are in good shape, they are in good form,” said the Spanish coach. 

“It’s difficult for me to choose the right ones every game. Right now, we are involved in a period of five games in a row in less than two weeks, but everybody must be ready to contribute.  

“Today is an example, we had six new players from the last game, people coming from the bench and helping even if it’s only for five minutes.” 

Pirates now shift their focus to the Nedbank Cup semi-final, where they travel to face Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.

Picture courtesy of Orlando Pirates