Jose Riveiro: Mamelodi Sundowns gap is dangerous

Postponed matches and a hectic travelling schedule on the continent have led to Pirates falling three games behind their rivals, who could go 15 points clear by Wednesday evening when they face Sekhukhune United. 

While many would argue that The Brazilians lead is only cosmetic, given The Buccaneers’ games in hand, Riveiro is wary that they must first accumulate those points to paint a more accurate picture of the title race.

"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.

"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."

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