Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has moderated expectations surrounding the Soweto Giants’ chances of winning the league title. Despite a strong start to the season, he stressed that the team’s focus is on immediate challenges rather than future outcomes.

The impressive start to the 2024/25 Betway Premiership has allowed the Buccaneers to set a new

club record by winning their first seven league games, surpassing the previous record of six consecutive wins set during the 2002/03 season.

At present, Riveiro’s squad holds second place on the league table, gathering 24 points after nine matches and maintaining a game in hand over Mamelodi Sundowns, who currently lead with 27 points.

There are indications that the Bucs could challenge for the title against Sundowns, but the coach insists on a pragmatic approach, concentrating on one match at a time instead of contemplating a championship victory at the end of the season.

“It’s important to be realistic about our goals and to stay focused on what we want to accomplish; we recognize that success comes from setting short-term targets,” Riveiro detailed.

“Everyone is free to guess about potential league winners, but we’re not preoccupied with that right now,” Riveiro affirmed.

“Our priority is the upcoming match against Magesi and securing valuable points in January to further our objectives in both the league and the Champions League.

“We strive to establish short-term goals to keep ourselves oriented and avoid distractions from what might happen months down the line, as that can make us lose sight of what is essential for achieving our aims by the season’s end,” he added.

As the team gears up for a busy year ahead, Riveiro has motivated his players to remain focused and committed, acknowledging the challenges brought about by their multiple competitions.

“Training will resume on the 26th, and we’ll travel to Polokwane on the 28th for a match on the 29th, followed by a series of engagements extending beyond January 1. We must either be fully committed or not at all; there’s no room for half-measures,” stated the Spanish coach.

“So far, the team has shown commitment during this extraordinary season; it’s December 24, and we’re already facing our ninth league match. However, there are still approximately 30 more games across all competitions this season.

“Depending on our performance, it could total up to 35 matches, considering the daunting nature of the PSL and the CAF Champions League. We know the demands it entails, and everyone is dedicated to our goal because that’s the only way to move forward,” Riveiro concluded.

After their remarkable 8-1 victory over Marumo Gallants on Tuesday, the Sea Robbers are poised to conclude the year with a match against struggling Magesi FC at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, hoping for a favorable result between Richards Bay and Sundowns on Saturday.