Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro emphasizes the importance of consistent results to maintain their top spot in the Betway Premiership.

Pirates climbed to the summit of the league after a 2-0 victory over SuperSport United, surpassing the seven-time consecutive champions, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Despite having a squad comparable to Sundowns, Pirates have faced challenges in achieving consistent performance. However, this season, they’ve demonstrated a strong ability to pressure Sundowns, having finished second in the previous two seasons under Riveiro’s guidance.

“If we want to achieve important things, we have to be firing in every game,” said Riveiro after the game on Tuesday. 

“It doesn’t matter where we play, who is the opponents, what are we playing for because sometimes you are playing for three points. If you are in the quarter finals of something, games are coming thick and fast, the important thing is that we are trying to find our best level in each and every game because we had already experience in the league, in this marathon, to understand that what this league demands in terms of points.”  

With a packed schedule, Pirates next face AmaZulu at Orlando Stadium on Friday. This marks the second time they’ve won their first four league matches, having previously done so in the 2002/03 season, which culminated in a title win.

“It’s a huge number if you look at the recent seasons and I don’t think this season is going to be exception,” added Riveiro.  

“So, we need to be there, every game, fight for the three points, and understand that we are playing finals every time there is a PSL game. That is the mentality that we are trying to implement in our group, and the coaching staff as well. 

“Not only because of the results, I think the performances in this competition are showing that we are getting this seriously,” Riveiro concluded.