Jose Riveiro declares Orlando Pirates ready for more glory

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Jose Riveiro declares Orlando Pirates ready for more glory as season nears dramatic finish.

The Bucs head coach isn’t holding back in his praise for his squad. As the Soweto giants enter the final stretch of the 2024/2025 season, the Spanish tactician has likened his relentless team to a “pack of animals,” crediting their consistent fight across all competitions.

With 49 points in 22 matches, the Buccaneers sit within reach of the Betway Premiership summit, chasing Mamelodi Sundowns, who lead by 12 points but have played two more games.

Pirates still chasing the Premiership title

Despite the mathematical possibility, toppling Sundowns from the throne would require a dramatic collapse from the log leaders. But Pirates aren’t giving up just yet.

“We are trying to run the race with Sundowns until the very last day,” Riveiro emphasized, showing belief in his squad’s fighting spirit.

Even after a heartbreaking CAF Champions League semi-final exit to Pyramids FC, Pirates remain in the hunt for more silverware—most notably the Nedbank Cup, where they’re set for a blockbuster clash with arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium this Saturday.

Riveiro’s men already have one trophy

Earlier in the season, the Buccaneers clinched the MTN8 title for a record third consecutive year, reaffirming their status as a dominant force in South African football.

With the Nedbank Cup final looming and league ambitions still alive, Riveiro remains focused on finishing strong and leaving behind a powerful legacy before his expected departure at season’s end.

“These guys are proving to everyone that they really want to do something special this season,” said Riveiro. “Maybe we don’t [win everything], because this is football and the results are not in our hands… but the will to do it, the composure, the concentration, the commitment—this team is going to continue winning.”

Pirates: Five trophies in two seasons

Since taking the reins in June 2022, Riveiro has guided Orlando Pirates to five domestic cup titles. Revitalizing the club’s trophy cabinet and raising expectations for the future. Now, he wants to set up his successor for even greater success.

“I think this group, during the whole season, they managed to show [what they are capable of]. And right now we are in May,” he stated. “They are performing every three days like animals, like beasts.”

“They are just running, trying, playing, not complaining at all, competing in every competition. We played one final, we are in another final. We were 10 minutes close from playing a Champions League final, so what else can you ask from the players?”