With Orlando Pirates in a tight title race with Mamelodi Sundowns going into the new year, former goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs has revealed what has been key.
After dropping points for the first time against Stellenbosch, Pirates had a big response, making a huge statement in their pursuit of the title, after trouncing Marumo Gallants 8-1.
The Soweto giants remained three points behind leaders The Brazilians, with a game in hand, after a narrow 1-0 win over Magesi on Sunday.
READ | Pirates coach opens up on 'weird' Magesi Carling Knockout upset
The Ghost seem to be peaking in Riveiro's third season, after they were out of the title race in the first round of the season, in the past two campaigns. What has been the difference, according to Josephs, has been a mentality shift, in not underestimating the so-called small teams.
"The mental strength lies with Sundowns but we've also been picking up points, not underestimating teams, because normally these smaller teams are the ones that knock us off the race," Josephs said on SoccerBeat YouTube Channel.
READ | 'Rele is on the same level as Yamine Lamal'
"But we've doing the business, away as well. That gives us the championship mentality, that, 'Hey we're in the race!', because these games (like win over Magesi) are the ones that are going to win you the league, because for me, these wins against Magesi are the big wins.
"After the 8-1 (against Marumo Gallants), I was fearful, I thought (the players were going think), 'We're just gonna go to the pitch and win' (and be complacent) but it's switch on time now! I'm very proud, we got the job done. Sundowns are feeling it now as well. I prefer us to be chasing than to be sitting there (at the top). We don't have the experience to sit there. Sundowns has that," Josephs concluded.
The Buccaneers will not be in league action over the weekend, as they resume their CAF Champions League group campaign with the visit of Stade d'Abidjan on Saturday evening. The Ghost will be back in the Betway Premiership next Wednesday away to Cape Town City. Riveiro's men will go top of the standings on goal difference if they beat The Citizens by any margin.