It’s a good time to be an Orlando Pirates fan.
Not only are their noisy neighbours, Kaizer Chiefs, eleven points behind, but they are also eclipsing Mamelodi Sundowns for the first time in years.
Jose Riveiro has the Orlando Stadium rocking as the Sea Robbers kick off the season with six consecutive league wins. Not since their triumphant 2002/03 campaign have they started so strongly.
Upcoming fixtures
The Buccaneers head into the international break top of the league, showcasing their winning intent.
Could this be the year of the Pirate? Many hope the Brazilians’ seven year reign comes to an end.
Tuesday, Nov 5: Orlando Pirates vs Richards Bay (19:30)
Tuesday, Nov 26: CR Belouizdad vs Orlando Pirates (TBD)
Saturday, Nov 30: Orlando Pirates vs Stellenbosch FC (15:30)
Tuesday, Dec 3: Gallants vs Orlando Pirates (19:30)
Friday, Dec 6: Orlando Pirates vs Al Ahly (TBD)
Riveiro steering the ship
After three years in charge, the Spanish tactician has won three MTN8 Cups and one Nedbank Cup, but the PSL has always remained elusive.
Last season, Pirates finished second but were 23 points behind the champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, meaning they were closer to 15th-placed Richards Bay.
However, something feels different this year – Pirates are looking like they can fight for the title, and it seems Riveiro has similar suspicions.
“I think the team is getting mature, we show and the players show, this season they are really enjoying playing and that makes everything much easier,” he told Independent Media.
“So far they are really focused in each and every game, you never hear them talking about Champions League the next month, or the big games we’re going to play. It’s always about the next opponent when you hear the players in the locker room and [training].
“They are always talking about what’s coming or what we did the day before. It makes you feel that they are getting more mature as a group and they know what it takes to achieve what we want to achieve in the end, which is always the next… that makes me feel confident and very optimistic about this group.”
Do you think Orlando Pirates will win the league?
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