Head coach Jose Riveiro has hit back at critics over Orlando Pirates' form in the league, having won just two of their first six matches in the DStv Premiership so far.
Despite their 12 attempts at goal and 64% of possession, The Buccaneers were held to a goalless draw by Usuthu at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday night, an outcome that leaves them languishing in 13th position on the log table.
READ | Frustrated Riveiro - 'Their goalkeeper was injured the whole 90 minutes'
The result has also raised questions about Pirates' chances of challenging log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have maintained a perfect league record of 24 points from eight matches.
The things we want to see from Orlando Pirates players are impossible,Even for the world elite,Yesterday we rocked up with a new midfield pairing and we expect everything to be fluid,José is trying to improve 35 players at once,He will never win the league with that mentality
— Shamase (@uNdu_Mk) October 25, 2023
The Ndlondlo/Timm sub when he has attackers on the bench tells you that Jose didn't want the 3 points so who am I to cry about them ????
— MuziBucs (@MuziBucs) October 24, 2023
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Riveiro insisted that it was too early to judge his side.
"Six games, it's been six games in the league. Are we going to do an analysis of our performance in the league after six games?" Riveiro asked.
"It's one point and it will help us continue. We know and I know and the players know that this is not a 0-0 performance but it's football and this can happen.
"We need to try to make sure that it doesn't happen too frequently, but like I said, we are not happy with the results, it goes without saying. But what if one of those chances that you all saw went into the net, we would be talking about a different story.
"Talking about 'Pirates is back and blah blah blah'. It's only one result. Be patient.
Orlando Pirates miss an opportunity to make up ground on their rivals ?The Buccaneers and uSuthu share the spoils at the Moses Mabhida Stadium ???? Stream the post-match wrap: https://t.co/TesYUfoDS5 pic.twitter.com/MzyjSd7GU6
— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) October 24, 2023
"We are fighting with a team (Sundowns) that is exceptional, collecting points and that makes it look like what we are doing is a minor thing.
"But we are there, we had exceptions second part of the season in the league in order to collect points, three, three and three. Now we are trying again, it's difficult because, In two months and a half, we've played five games in the league only.
ALSO READ | Riveiro: Our performance deserved more
"So it looks like we were not there. We had a disappointing result in Stellenbosch with a good performance. I think we should have not lost a game at home against Sundowns but in the end, we have the points that we have.
"But in my opinion, we are performing better than what the log is saying in terms of points."
Pirates have another chance to climb up the log table when they host Polokwane City on Friday at Orlando Stadium. Kick-off is at 19:30.
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