The ‘Spanish Guitar’ faces a futile task in trying to catch up to the runaway leaders, Masandawana, in the current PSL title race.
At the season’s start, Orlando Pirates were anticipated to vie with Mamelodi Sundowns for the Premier Soccer League title. Coming off a second-place finish in the 2022/23 campaign, bolstered by signings and a strong pre-season, the Bucs were considered serious contenders.
Nonetheless, they currently trail leaders Masandawana by 15 points, despite playing three additional games. Coach Jose Riveiro elucidates the reasons behind this gap.
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Riveiro addressed the media, stating;
“We can still talk about [Pirates’] consistency until the end of our lives but that’s not the only thing to talk about,” Riveiro told the media.
“We see the top of the log, you are competing against a point machine right now a team that didn’t lose even one game in the last 40-something games.
Usually, you win the title in [South Africa] with 60 points, right? Probably you know better than myself, so we got 54 but again we are competing with a point machine, they don’t lose,” he added.
“Probably, we are going to pass that number we are trying but it’s difficult to get close for many, many different reasons but we are getting there.”
rom the above explanation, it is obvious the Spaniard has given up on chasing the Brazilians for the PSL title. The Rhulani Mokwena-led team have won the last six league crowns in a row.
However, having won the MTN8 title, Riveiro can push for the Caf Champions League place and try to successfully defend the Nedbank Cup.
If he manages to achieve that, then he can fancy his chances of helping the Sea Robbers push for the league in the 2024/25 campaign.
What Comes Next?
Stellenbosch, Kaizer Chiefs, SuperSport United, TS Galaxy, Cape Town City, Golden Arrows, and Sekhukhune United are all contenders for the second spot on the table.
To surpass them, Pirates must maintain consistency. Currently occupying third place with 37 points, they trail second-placed Stellies by two points.
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