Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has expressed the club’s ambition to reach the MTN8 final again this season, a goal that will undoubtedly excite fans.

Riveiro, whose contract with the Soweto giants ends at the end of the current season, emphasized his commitment to leaving a lasting legacy at the club.

The Spanish tactician guided Pirates to their third consecutive MTN8 semifinal after defeating SuperSport United on Saturday, marking the beginning of the 2024/25 season. Having won the tournament twice in a row, Pirates are aiming to become the first team to achieve a historic hat-trick of MTN8 titles.

When asked about the possibility of a third consecutive win, Riveiro affirmed the club’s desire. “Yes, of course,” said Riveiro when asked if they want to win it for the third time in a row.  

“Imagine if I said no, ‘we don’t really want it’. Personally, when we managed to win here together was the MTN8, two years ago and we have exceptional memories about that tournament, that game, beautiful semifinals.  

“Last season, it was the same. We played a fantastic game here against Sekhukhune United (in the quarter finals), plenty of goals, good football, very tough semifinal against Stellenbosch.”  

Riveiro acknowledged the challenges faced in last season’s final against Mamelodi Sundowns, which was decided by a penalty shootout. Despite the difficulties, he emphasized the team’s comfort in high-pressure matches.

“Let’s see what is coming now for this one,” Riveiro said. 

“Last season, it is a final that we will always remember because of the wind first, because of the penalties later. 

“So, this tournament always gives you something special. We are comfortable in this type of games. Understand when I say comfortable, it means that we are dealing with the problems that we are finding in each and every game.  

“Now, we have two games to play in the semifinal. We want to go there in the optimal situation and try again to be in the final and that is the objective. 

“The legacy, personal, we are here to improve Pirates history and we are trying our best in that sense.”  

With the MTN8 prize money increased to R10 million, the competition has become even more enticing for all participating teams.