Why Mamelodi Sundowns' 12-point PSL lead over Orlando Pirates is 'not totally real' to Jose Riveiro as the Buccaneers have games in hand

Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns lead the PSL table with 12 points clear at the top.

They are being trailed by Orlando Pirates who, however, have three matches in hand and their coach Jose Riveiro comments on what that means to them.

“We have three games [in hand] and have to capitalise on them. Otherwise, they mean nothing. This is a personal answer. The situation this season has been a little bit unique," Riveiro told reporters.

"The way we started in the league [delay due to sponsorship issues] and all the problems we went through in the beginning. So, the schedule has been…I think today [Saturday against Cape Town City FC] is game 33 for us in all competitions if I’m not wrong…32 or 33, but we’re still in February.

And this is our game, 15th in the league, which is something that is usually not like that. So, I would have liked all of us to be in the same number of [league] games [with Sundowns] so we really know where we are because it’s a dangerous picture for all of us [Pirates] to see that the top [Sundowns] of the table is 9 or 10 or 12 points far from us when it’s not totally real," he added.

“There’s still a possibility to close [the gap]; we have to work hard to make it possible, but it’s still possible. ”

Should Pirates win their three games in hand and go level on matches with Sunsowns, given Masandawana will also be recording victories, three points will only separate the two teams.

That would set the PSL title for an interesting finish with fans keen to see the team more determined for the league title.

The Buccaneers were last crowned champions in 2012 and are keen on denying the Brazilians a record-extending eighth PSL title.

After edging Cape Town City 2-1 Saturday, Pirates would want to build on that with a win over struggling Marumo Gallants in Bloemfontein on March 1.

But Sundowns have a tricky midweek assignment against third-placed Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday.