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Riveiro Unveils Key Goals in Intense Title Race

Jose Riveiro, head coach of Orlando Pirates, has revealed the points target they are aiming for by the end of the season to improve their chances of securing the Betway Premiership title in their competition with Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Soweto giants strengthened their title ambitions with a narrow 1-0 victory over fierce rivals Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday. This win raised their points total to 30 after 12 matches in the Betway Premiership.

While the result holds significant importance for the title race, Riveiro acknowledges that both sides were evenly matched during the match, though he believes his team showed superior performance and deserved to celebrate.

“I believe the score accurately reflects the performances of both [teams]; it wasn’t a match that ended 5-0, but in my opinion, Pirates were the better side on the day. Even if it had ended in a nil-nil result without that penalty— which I still haven’t reviewed— it seemed to me from the bench that there were two penalty claims involving the defender and the goalkeeper,” he noted.

Nonetheless, the Spanish coach stressed the importance of not dropping points if they intend to dethrone Sundowns and mentioned their goal of exceeding 70 points—a benchmark set by the Brazilians in recent years.

“To be viewed as title contenders in South Africa and within the PSL, we must strive for over 70 points. Every team looking to contend for the league must understand that dropping too many points is simply not an option,” Riveiro asserted.

“Even though we played against Chiefs at FNB, effectively it serves as a home match for us, meaning that home games will be vital in this competition. Thus, claiming a win against Chiefs holds great significance, considering all the emotional factors and energy involved.”

“We will travel to Polokwane on Wednesday to face Sekhukhune United, and our objective remains unchanged – we want three points.”

The last time the Sea Robbers secured an away league victory against Babina Noko was in April 2022, following a late goal from Fortune Makaringe. Riveiro’s squad has faced defeats in their previous two visits to the Limpopo-based club.

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