Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro bristled at the suggestion that failing to retain the Nedbank Cup this season would be a disappointment. “I don’t think that’s fair,” he said.

The Nedbank Cup represents the only remaining trophy chance for Pirates to achieve a historic double (winning both MTN8 and Nedbank Cup in consecutive seasons) after successfully defending their MTN8 title earlier this year.

The league title is out of reach, with Mamelodi Sundowns dominating at the top. Riveiro acknowledged Downs’ prowess, calling them a “points machine” that rarely loses. Sundowns currently sit comfortably at the summit with 52 points after 20 matches, a massive 15 points ahead of Pirates with two games in hand.

Pirates reached the Nedbank Cup semifinals in style, overpowering AmaZulu 4-2 at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. Their next challenge is an away fixture against Chippa United in the semi final, with the PSL to announce the exact date soon.

Sundowns also secured their semifinal spot, and will face a tough opponent in Stellenbosch, who convincingly thrashed SuperSport United 4-0 at Danie Craven Stadium on the same day.

Riveiro took exception to the question about retaining the Nedbank Cup being a potential failure in his second season. “Do you think it’s fair to use the word ‘failure’ with this team after this performance?” he countered.

He pointed out a lack of questions about the recent successful game during a previous press conference, contrasting it with the current focus on a hypothetical negative outcome. “We can turn the press conference into a personal interview or dwell on a loss from six months ago,” he said. “But honestly, I don’t think that’s fair.”

The Ke Yona Cup final will be played at Mbombela Stadium on 1 June.