Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has made a bold statement about their games in hand and the Betway Premiership title race against rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.
Unlike recent past seasons, since the beginning of this campaign, the Brazilians have been facing a strong challenge from Pirates at the top of the Betway Premiership league standings.
‘The Buccaneers’, under Riveiro’s leadership, have been successful in cup competitions and are now vying for league honours.
Due to various factors, Pirates have found themselves behind Masandawana with three games. They also trail the league champions by 12 points.
However, Riveiro has downplayed Sundowns’ 12-point lead over Pirates, saying it’s “not real” due to their three games in hand. He believes positive results from these games will allow them to significantly reduce Sundowns’ advantage.
RIVEIRO – ‘SUNDOWNS’ 12-POINT LEAD IS NOT REAL’
“We have three games [in hand] and have to capitalise on them. Otherwise, they mean nothing,” said Riveiro.
“This is a personal answer. The situation this season has been a little bit unique. The way we started in the league [delay due to sponsorship issues] and all the problems we went through in the beginning.
“So, the schedule has been…I think today [Saturday against Cape Town City FC] is game 33 for us in all competitions if I’m not wrong…32 or 33, but we’re still in February. And this is our game, 15th in the league, which is something that is usually not like that.
“So, I would have liked all of us to be in the same number of [league] games [with Sundowns] so we really know where we are because it’s a dangerous picture for all of us [Pirates] to see that the top [Sundowns] of the table is 9 or 10 or 12 points far from us when it’s not totally real.
“There’s still a possibility to close [the gap]; we have to work hard to make it possible, but it’s still possible.
“I don’t look at the table. I’m not the person who’s always doing the Maths. There’s nothing for me to gain with that.
“There’s nothing we can do; that’s the way the league and the competitions are right now, and we’re just trying to do our best in whichever game is coming.”
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