Jose Riveiro oversaw Orlando Pirates’ goalless draw away at Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday evening. This result extended their gap to Mamelodi Sundowns to 18 points, making it a difficult challenge for Orlando Pirates to reclaim the top spot.
Sundowns only have eight matches left to play, while holding the incredible points lead at the top.
Jose Riveiro remains positive and hopeful about Orlando Pirates’ potential in the Betway Premiership this season.
“We take it. It’s one point, obviously not the result we were looking for. We want to win every game, but we need to understand there’s an opponent that’s in front working hard trying to protect the result, and they did a good job.” Jose Riveiro explained to SuperSport TV after the match.
The Buccaneers may be hesitant to admit that the title race is slipping out of their grasp; however, they might be wiser to focus their efforts on the Nedbank Cup and CAF Champions League.
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has defended the club against criticism for falling 18 points behind Mamelodi Sundowns in the #BetwayPrem title race.
📹 #SABCSport’s @CKlatey #SABCSportFootball pic.twitter.com/QCmVAznp7I
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) March 13, 2025
Jose Riveiro Claims He Still Has Reason to Remain Optimistic
“So, there’s nothing around us that can make me feel not or anything else than positive,” the Jose Riveiro reiterated.
“I’m optimistic. If you have a look at our performances so far in every competition, I think we’ve been part so far of one of the best teams in Pirates’ history.
“It’s about you, if you want to look in the same direction with the same perspective but that’s the way we look at our situation right now. It is something that nobody can discuss. The numbers are there. The performances are there.”
“So why should I look at the challenge in a… which direction exactly you want me to look at? We have to be positive because we have reasons to be positive not because I’m not trying to motivate my people, is a fact!”
“It depends how you want to put it, but it’s just a fact. And you can also have a look of the games that we play in the league and the games that our opponent or the team who is in the top of the league played already.”
“So, it’s unreal, the log, you said the log right, and still, everything possible and in our hands. Obviously, we have to perform in the level that the challenge requires but there’s a lot of things still to say,” he added.
Given the growing gap in the league, should Jose Riveiro now focus on cup competitions like the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Champions League?
Do you think Riveiro’s optimism can turn the season around for Orlando Pirates, or should the focus shift to cup competitions?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1!
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