Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro says this season the Buccaneers are here to compete and they will fight until the last game for them to win the league. 

Riveiro’s side has finished in position number two in the league in the last two seasons. 

Despite Pirates having finished second in the last two seasons, they managed to win four trophies under Riveiro. This season, the Pirates have already won the MTN 8 Cup beating Stellenbosch 3-1 in the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium. 

This season, Pirates started the league very well as they won all their first seven games. Unfortunately, the Buccaneers lost on Sunday against Stellies in their eighth game and they are now in position number two with 21 points same as Mamelodi Sundowns but separated by the goal difference. 

The Spanish tactician says this season Pirates want to win the league and they are ready to fight until the last game of the league. “We have the same number of points with Sundowns but are separated by goal difference right now, but it’s only eight games we have to play 30 games,” Riveiro said. 

“Trust me, we are here to compete and we know how difficult it could be, how difficult to win every game for us. We want to compete, we want to be there until the last game with options to finish in the top. 

“We would like to be on top with 10 points advantage but I know that sometimes it’s not possible because of the level of the league. We are now preparing for the next game and we’ll fight until the last game.” The last time Pirates won the league title was in the 2011/12 season.

The Buccaneers are left with only three games for this year in the league. The champions of the MTN 8 will play Golden Arrows, Sekhukhune United and Magesi. 

 Riveiro’s side’s next match is against African club champions Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League group stage match at Orlando Stadium on Saturday (15:00).