Head coach Jose Riveiro has vowed to do everything to guide Orlando Pirates to CAF Champions League qualification by finishing as runners-up in the DStv Premiership standings while admitting it remains a tough ask.
Pirates dropped crucial points on Wednesday in a Soweto derby match against Moroka Swallows after playing a 1-1 draw.
The Soweto Giants are in contention for finishing as runners-up in the current campaign as they hope to play in the continental competition next season Caf Champions League.
The Buccaneers went to the half-time break trailing the Dube Birds 1-0 after forward Lindokuhle Mtshali gave Swallows the lead, but Patrick Maswanganyi levelled matter for the Sea Robbers in the second half.
“We are going game by game we know which ones are our objectives,” said Riveiro.
“It’s clear that being first in this league is a huge challenge for everyone for multiple reasons.
“And running for the second position is going to be tough because there are different candidates who are in good form with the ambition to be there,” the Spaniard tactician added.
“I think it’s going to be an entertaining fight for that position probably it’s going to be decided on the last game.
“We going to do everything to try and finish in that position, it’s our intention to go and play in Africa (Caf) next season,” he concluded.
Pirates currently sit in fourth place in the log with 34 points from 22 games.
They have a lot to do in their remaining eight matches if they are to achieve the second-place finish.
They trail four points from the second spot Stellenbosch who played 21 matches.
☠️ FT || @Moroka_Swallows 1 - 1 @orlandopirates
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) April 3, 2024
🥅 53' Maswanganyi
🎙 Goalscorer | Patrick Maswanganyi
⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️#Matchday #DStvPrem#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/BQ2znzlXna
