Jose Riveiro on how they can replicate the cup form in the league

This past weekend marked 21 games in domestic cup competitions when they beat SuperSport United 3-1 in the opening round of the MTN8. Under Riveiro, the Pirates have won 18 matches, lost two, and drawn one game (won via penalties). 

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They have won all the four cup finals they contested but have failed to deliver similar results in the league, something he wishes can change this season.

''I would like to know what is the secret so we can do exactly the same things when we get into the league games, when we play for three points.

I am sure there's many components and it is our challenge. Like I said at the end of the season, in our last press conference, I will repeat myself today - It is the challenge to have the capacity to think about what we are playing for, we are playing for Orlando Pirates and the responsibility is the same. It is true that so far we have managed to have special nights in the cups, it is a decent record, we are in the right space to do these types of things,'' said Riveiro.

In the league, Bucs have finished as runners-up to Mamelodi Sundowns in two consecutive seasons. Consistency has been one of their biggest challenges, something Riveiro hopes to address this season, with the CAF Champions League also in the mix.

''We have extraordinary players in every position. We are growing and getting better. These competitions are helping us a lot to understand how competitive we can be, when we are in the right space. 

We have a big challenge in domestic cups, because everyone is expecting us to play in the finals. Now we have a beautiful challenge to go to the group stage in the champions league, which we could and also the league. We need to be competitive until the end. You asked about the secret, there is no secret, we just need to find a formula to keep our players happy for each and every game,'' added Riveiro.

While most teams will be waiting for the 14th of September to kick off the new season in the league, Pirates will have the advantage of having played at least five matches in the Wafa-Wafa and the preliminary stages in the CAF Champions League. Riveiro is hoping that this can create good momentum and address their early-season blues in the league.

''I will answer that question at the end of the season. If you think about how we started last season, I think we got seven points out of 15, the first five games in the league we didn't start well. We lacked consistency in results, maybe now - starting with cup competitions, getting the rhythm in a different way, starting the league a little later in the league - will help us with increasing our confidence,'' he concluded.

 The Pirates, fresh from a preseason camp in Spain, played this past weekend’s game at a high tempo and with high intensity in almost all aspects of their game. Riveiro says credit should go to his backroom staff, including the physical conditioner, sports scientists, and everyone involved, as they scored two goals in extra time.