Coach Jose Riveiro says Orlando Pirates now want to knock Mamelodi Sundowns off their perch by challenging for the Betway Premiership this season following their MTN8 final triumph on Saturday.
Pirates won an unprecedented third consecutive MTN8 title when they beat Stellenbosch FC 3-1 at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium in a final that will forever be remembered for a another refereeing blunder.
Lehlohonolo Mojela gave Stellebosch FC the lead in the first half before Monnapule Saleng levelled matters shortly before the break.
With the game in the balance deep into second-half stoppage time, Tshegofatso Mabasa scored a controversial goal to make it 2-1 to Pirates, before starlet Relebohile Mofokeng added a third for the Bucs to rub salt into Stellies’ wounds.
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— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) October 6, 2024
The MTN8 crown was Riveiro fifth title with Orlando Pirates, also winning two Nedbank Cup titles to go with the three MTN8 crowns. Now the Spanish mentor has set his sights on ending Sundowns stranglehold on the league title.
Sundowns have won the Premiership for the past seven seasons. Pirates, who last won the league in 2012, were second in the previous campaign, but finished 23 points behind eventual champions Sundowns.
However, this season Pirates are unbeaten in all competitions, and sit level on points with Sundowns at top of the table after a 100% start in their first three matches of the Premiership campaign.
“We are taking every game so seriously. We want to fight for the league as well; we want to raise the level in that competition. We want to increase the level of the league itself, giving proper competition to whichever contender wants to fight for the league as well,” Riveiro said
“Fighting for the league is important, that goes without saying, but it’s not about talking here. It’s something we need to show week-in, week-out wherever we go, wherever we travel.
“So far we’ve managed to do it. We’ve played three league games in a short space of time and managed to win all of them. It’s absolutely necessary for us as a club, as a team and for the league as well. Our commitment this season is get the maximum out of each and every competition.”
@JohnGoliath82
