NEWS: ‘We are dominating games’ – Jose Riveiro delighted as in-form Orlando Pirates hitting best form at crucial stage of campaign

Riveiro’s side, who are in an enthralling battle for the runners-up spot in the DStv Premiership alongside an impressive Stellenbosch FC, have themselves been in scintillating form in the latter stages of the season.

The third-placed Sea Robbers have not only recorded four impressive wins and a draw in their last five outings, but they have also done so in entertaining fashion by scoring 18 goals while conceding three.

Pirates continued their winning momentum at Cape Town City by 2-0 in a league clash in the Mother City.

READ: Magic Mabasa keeps Orlando Pirates in hunt for CAF Champions League qualification with win at Cape Town City

The pleasing part for Riveiro was the consistency in his side’s performance even though making six changes to his starting lineup.

Against the Citizens, Pirates were without the influential Patrick Maswanganyi, the dangerous Monnapule Saleng and midfield maestro Makhehlene Makhaula.

“The results are telling us that we are close, obviously, we are winning games and scoring goals,” Riveiro told the Cape Town media after the game.

“We are dominating the games and we are producing good performances.”

Lack of consistency in performances has been identified as one of the Pirates’ Achilles heel that has resulted in them not being able to put up a fight for the league title.

“We are in a good space and I think we are in the best moment of the season in terms of confidence, which is key in winning games,” Riveiro said.

“I think we had moments in the season when we didn’t get (the desired) results but we played even better football compared to now.

“Now the ball goes into the net more frequently, we are looking great. It’s clear that the team is permanently progressing and we are playing in the last stage of the season and in good form.”

The main challenge for the 48-year-old mentor is to try to get Pirates to stretch the form and maintain it into next season.

“Let’s not stop now. We need to continue until the end,” he said.

“With this level of confidence and the talent that we have in the team, the results are closer for us.”

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Pirates switch focus to the Nedbank Cup semifinal against Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay in Gqeberha on Saturday at 15:00.

Under Riveiro, the Soweto giants have done pretty well in Cup tournaments, having failed to win just one competition, the Carling Knockout early this season.

They have already defended the MTN8 this season and look to do the same in the Nedbank Cup.