Jose Riveiro on Pirates chasing Sundowns

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has offered a personal perspective on the Betway Premiership title race.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS ADVANTAGE?

For some bizarre reason, the Premier Soccer League fixtures list sees Sundowns with three games ahead of Orlando Pirates, despite both teams’ participation in the CAF Champions League.

“We have the three games [in hand], but we have to convert those games into points, otherwise it means nothing, and this is a personal answer, ok,” said Riveiro via SABC Sport.

“I know the situation this season has been a little bit unique, the way we started the season in the league and all the problems that we went through in the beginning.

“So the schedule has been [congested] – this was maybe our 32nd or 33rd game, and we are finishing February, but it’s only been 15 games in the league – at the end of February? It’s something unusual. So I would like for all of us to be on the same number of games so we really know where we are because it’s a dangerous picture to see for all of us, that the top of table [team] is nine or 10 or 12 points ahead of us, when it’s not totally real.

“There’s still a possibility to get close, but we have to work hard to make it possible, but it’s still possible,” the Orlando Pirates trainer concluded.

SINOXOLO KWAYIBA TO ORLANDO PIRATES?

It’s obvious that Orlando Pirates never take their eyes off the transfer market. Recent reports said Chippa United’s Sinoxolo Kwayiba, the most direct attacking midfielder you will see, is a target.

With five goals and one assist in 16 games, Soccer Laduma reports that the Sea Robbers are keen on the 24-year-old attacker.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates’ options in the number role include Patrick Maswanganyi, Karim Kimvuidi, Thuso Moleleki and Azola Tshobeni.

GOOD FORM

In the meantime, Kwayiba has increased his goal tally to seven goals in 19 games, thanks to a brace in the recent 2-0 win over Cape Town City. Certainly not bad for an attacking midfielder.

IS HE NEEDED AT ORLANDO PIRATES?

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