Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro feels no one will run away with this season’s league title, saying it will be tight when the first round is concluded in November due to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The Buccaneers were stunned 1-0 by Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday evening and missed out on reclaiming the top spot on the log after recording their second league loss of the season.
But Pirates had plenty of chances to win the game, when Bienvenu Eva Nga and Zakhele Lepasa had two clean throughs, but on both occasions failed to beat King Ndlovu in goals.
“I think the league so far is very equal, every game is very difficult for everyone and not only for Pirates,” Riveiro said after the match.
“I think we are going to arrive at the break with not so much advantage between the teams at the top.
“But our objective is not to be on top of the table today but to get as many points as possible in order to stay amongst the top sides in the second half of the season.
“As much as we were wasteful, I’m happy that we tried and tried and that is the only way to score goals,” Riveiro added.
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“I know it’s taking a lot of time from us to capitalise on the situation that we produced in the last 30 to 40 minutes. But I’m optimistic and positive about the future of this team.”
Mamelodi Sundowns, who in the past two seasons have cantered the league with ease, have stuttered too, suffering two league losses in six matches already, something that had never happened under Rulani Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi since they were appointed as co-coaches ahead of the 2020/21 season.
In the trio’s first season, they lost only one league match, which was round number 22 to Kaizer Chiefs, becoming the first PSL side to go the whole season without losing an away match.
Last campaign, Sundowns only suffered three losses, but on that occasion they were never given a stern contest, becoming the first side to win the league with four games to spare. But in 2022/23, it has not been smooth sailing for the Tshwane giants but Pirates again failed to profit on their slip-up.
Riveiro After Pirates Loss
