Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has highlighted what his side cannot afford to do in the DStv Premiership second round as they are gunning to compete in the CAF Inter-Club competition next season.
The Buccaneers are currently placed fifth on the log standings with 26 points from 17 outings, a whopping 13 points gap from log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
Riveiro admitted that Pirates cannot afford to drop points anymore if they are to catch leaders Masandawana in the DStv Premiership title race.
JOSE RIVEIRO ON WHAT PIRATES SHOULD AVOID DOING
The Soweto giants have been unusually inconsistent for much in the first round of this campaign, allowing Sundowns to take pole position comfortably.
“Well, winning every match [what’s Pirates what’s this round]. We are in a situation where we don’t have the luxury to drop points,” said Riveiro.
“We want to at least finish the season in the second place and play continental football next season. So, we have dropped so many points in the first round of the season.
“So, not dropping points is the only thing on our mind and hopefully continue with a good progression in the Nedbank Cup, as we are going again with the illusion to be defending the title.”
Riveiro further stated that he is well aware of the difficulties of winning back-to-back games. However, he insists that they are in it for it.
“We know is difficult to win back-to-back but we did it in the MTN8. We want to dream about doing it again in the Nedbank,” he added.
ORLANDO PIRATES’ NEXT ASSIGNMENT
Pirates’ next assignment will be against Polokwane City in a league match on Saturday, 2 March 2024.
The game will take place at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 15:30.
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