Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro emphasized the importance of responding strongly after Stellenbosch FC opened up a gap in the fight for second place.

Pirates secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Royal AM in their DStv Premiership clash at Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday. This win keeps them in the hunt for the coveted CAF Champions League spot, which goes to the team that finishes second in the league.

The race for second place has intensified following Stellenbosch FC’s dominant 5-0 win over Polokwane City on Saturday, with striker Iqraam Rayners scoring a record-breaking five goals.

While the league title seems destined for leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, the battle for second is fiercely competitive. Stellenbosch currently sit in second with 46 points, three points ahead of Pirates in third.

Despite Stellenbosch’s impressive unbeaten run of 24 matches and their head-to-head win over Pirates, Riveiro remains focused on his own team.

“Our focus is on ourselves,” Riveiro countered. “Our responsibility is to win every remaining game. We can’t control what our opponents do; they have their own matches to play.

“We concentrate on what we can control – our performance and our next opponents. Now we travel to Cape Town to face Cape Town City on Wednesday, and collecting three points is crucial again because the top of the table is very congested.

“So, recovery is key now. We need a good night’s sleep, and then we go again tomorrow.”

Pirates’ victory marked their second three-game winning streak of the season, but Riveiro highlights the need for continued consistency to achieve their Champions League qualification goal.

Picture courtesy of Orlando Pirates