Winless run won't spoil Pirates party, claims coach

The Soweto giants get to defend their title against Mamelodi Sundowns on 7 October at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. 

However, they do so having failed to score or claim a victory in three matches from all competitions, which though concerns Riveiro, it doesn’t take away from the team’s efforts. 

"Unfortunately it's a third game in a row that we couldn't put the ball in the net, which is also affecting our perfection of the day. We have to all understand that it's the third time this group is playing a semi-final, and a third time they have to improve the history of the club by playing one more final," he told the media. 

Their 2-1 scoreline in the first leg away to Stellies proved to be enough after the side from the Winelands levelled the tie 2-2 on aggregate when striker Iqraam Rayners broke the deadlock at Orlando Stadium. Riveiro, who has now guided Pirates to a third successive cup final, applauded his charges’ never-say-die attitude. 

"This group is extremely competitive even in the bad day and today was no exception. It's probably not our best week, but Orlando Pirates is in Durban on the 7th of October and it's something we really celebrate."