Riveiro remains grounded despite flying start

Orlando Pirates head coach, Jose Riveiro, is not getting ahead of himself despite his side’s impressive start to the 2024/25 season.

The Buccaneers are currently on a nine-match unbeaten run, which has seen them conjure up seven wins and six clean sheets.

That run has seen Pirates level at the top of the Betway Premiership standings alongside defending champion Mamelodi Sundowns, a place in next month’s MTN8 final, and a spot in the CAF Champions’ League group stages for the first time since 2016.

The recent results have naturally boosted the confidence of the club’s supporters, with some claiming that that the Sea Robbers could win everything on offer this season.

Riveiro, however, has refused to be drawn into such conversation.

“We played two games (in the league), and we’re so happy to collect maximum points in these games but right now our focus is on Richards Bay (their next opponents),” said the coach.

“Our focus is recovery tonight, travel to Durban to regroup again.”

Riveiro is also aware of the threat that Richards Bay possesses after unfavourable results against the side last season. Pirates were knocked out of the Carling Cup by the KZN side and were held to 0-0 draw in their first league encounter and were beaten 1-0 at the Orlando Stadium by the Natal Rich Boyz.

“It goes without saying that it’s going to be a tough game and if we want to collect the maximum (points), we need to focus only on that one,” he added.