Orlando Pirates are touted as the leading club that can challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the DStv Premiership title but after finishing 23 points behind, can they challenge Sundowns next season? Jose Riveiro answers.
Despite a 23-point difference between the sides, Pirates denied The Brazilians two domestic trophies this season after a 2-1 win over the Tshwane giants in the Nedbank Cup final over the weekend.
Ezimnyama also upset Sundowns in the MTN8 final early in the season, winning on penalties, as Riveiro made it back-to-back cup doubles since he was appointed at Pirates.
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The Buccaneers, however, have lacked consistency in the league and Riveiro admitted that's the element they need to improve on as he made a statement of intent ahead of next season.
"That's what the numbers are telling, absolutely (lack of consistency in the league) but again in a few weeks, we're talking about a short space of time we're starting from zero again all of us," Riveiro said on Radio 2000's Game On.
"We're gonna have an opportunity again to show that we're getting to that level of maturity, that's what the league requires if you want to be at the top. We know it's going to be a very difficult challenge, not only because of the current champion, I think the league is gonna get more competitive next season.
"Don't ask me why but that's my feeling. We need to be ready to win games and to collect points from the first fixture and not (only) in the later stages of the season like it happened this season," he said.
The Spaniard was also asked whether he believes they can get close to Sundowns in the Premiership standings next season.
"No, we start from zero all of us, there's no one to get close to," Riveiro stated.
Pirates have not won the league title since the 2011/12 season and last came close to winning the Premiership in the 2018/19 campaign after finishing two points behind champions Sundowns.
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