Jose Riveiro opens up on PSL title ambitions after Orlando Pirates' first defeat of the season, reacts to Mamelodi Sundowns' stern challenge - 'We would like to be on top with 10 points advantage... right now it’s impossible'

Orlando Pirates were removed from the top of the Premier Soccer League table after losing 1-0 to Stellenbosch on Sunday.

It was their first league defeat of the season as they failed to reclaim their lead after Mamelodi Sundowns jumped to the top with a victory over Sekhukhune United the previous day.

The Buccaneers are now second on the standings with 21 points, the same number as leaders Masandawana who, however, enjoy a superior goal difference.

Jose Riveiro, the Soweto giants, comments on what they are facing and the weight of their bid to be crowned PSL champions.

“I think we have the same amount of points [as Sundowns], its goal difference right now is putting us up and down, it’s only eight games, and we have to play 30 games, trust me, we all know how difficult it’s going to be, how difficult it is to win each and every game,” Riveiro said as per iDiski Times.

“We want to compete, we want to be there until the last game with options to finish in the top and that’s the time that we will analyse and right now to be second… obviously we would like to be on top with 10 points of advantage, understanding this league because of the level of the opponents, right now it’s not possible. 

“So, I’m not frustrated at all, the first defeat came [against Stellenbosch], I think we beat Chippa 2-1 here in the 95th minute when it was close to being a draw, some other games [also].

"We didn’t perform [badly] to lose this match, but it happens, no drama, we prepare for the next one – this group will fight until the last game.”

The Buccaneers last won the PSL title at the end of the 2011/12 season and that makes this competition a top priority for them.

They are trying to unseat Sundowns, a team that has enjoyed relentless dominance in the PSL with seven straight crowns.

Being toppled from the top spot by the Brazilians presents the Buccaneers with a test of character to see if they are competitive enough to fight back to reclaim their position at the summit of the table.

The Buccaneers are now trying to balance responsibilities between the PSL title race and the equally taxing Caf Champions League plus the Nedbank Cup later in the season.

Riveiro would be hoping fatigue will not creep into his camp and his side will not melt at the demands of their fixtures.