Jose Riveiro clear on Orlando Pirates objective to fight for second spot

The Buccaneers want to play in the Caf Champions League and will need to finish runners-up behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns to guarantee their qualification next season. 

Riveiro says this is a top priority. 

"When the season started, we worked hard and tried to be at the top. Unfortunately, it was impossible this season to achieve that level of consistency to stay at the top. Now our objective is to finish second on the log table and represent Pirates in Africa next season," he said.

There are three teams tied on 40 points and chasing second place – Pirates, SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs. 

What matters is how the Buccaneers finish, adds Riveiro. 

"We are going to go all the way until the end, trying to make sure that we are that team in the end. It doesn't matter who is today or tonight or who's going to sleep second, it's going to matter at the end of the season. We know what we need to do and we know how to make it work. Hopefully, we are also lucky enough, in the end, to keep winning," he added.

Not only is the Caf spot up for grabs, but Pirates remain in contention for the Nedbank Cup title having progressed to the quarterfinals. 

Only then will Riveiro make a full assessment, he says. 

"We are going to fight, our opponents are going to find us as a tough opponent until the end and if someone wants to beat us, they will need to produce a very good performance. Otherwise, it's not going to happen. We are going to analyse the season with my team, we have to do it at the end of the season not now. We are very critical of ourselves, that's why we keep improving," he concluded.