Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Mamelodi Sundowns as his team intensifies its pursuit of the title. Pirates are currently second in the Betway Premiership table, trailing their rivals by 15 points.
The Spaniard guided Pirates to a 2-1 win over Sundowns in the Betway Premiership on Sunday. A Relebohile Mofokeng brace inside the first five minutes of the game.
Despite conceding a second-half Khuliso Mudau goal, Pirates held on to the lead to secure maximum points.
WHAT JOSE RIVEIRO SAID ABOUT SUNDOWNS
“Sundowns is not a joke. They have set the bar very high season after season. And this is not exceptional. The amount of points that they have at this moment of the season. It’s something, it’s probably unique,” Riveiro told journalists.
Riveiro added that “every time Pirates have the opportunity to play against teams like Sundowns, it’s an opportunity to even to get better.” He believes Masandawana are a team that always finds a solution.
OTHER SOCCER NEWS:Sundowns coach Mngqithi praises Sales’ progress
“We learnt in the first game the same that we managed to learn a couple of things today. I’m sure they did as well. We still have the opportunity to meet again in two competitions, and if that happens it is going to be really good for South African football. So happy with the development of the team today for our young players. Imagine what it means.”
Riveiro will turn his focus to the CAF Champions League quarterfinals after the FIFA international break. The Buccaneers take on MC Alger of Algeria in their last eight match. The first leg is away in the North African country. A week later, the Algerians visit the Orlando Stadium.
In between the two matches, they play a Betway Premiership match against Polokwane City.