Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro says they can’t celebrate finishing second when Mamelodi Sundowns won the DStv Premiership with a 23-point distance.
Pirates and Riveiro were all smiles at the full-time whistle at Orlando Stadium after their 1-1 draw against SuperSport United, which somehow managed to secure them CAF Champions League qualification.
They achieved it on goal difference as Stellenbosch FC, who appeared in pole position to secure second, lost three consecutive games, including a 2-1 defeat away to Richards Bay, to end of their 2023/24 league campaign.
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“I’m so proud and happy because it’s not easy, maybe it can be… I think we shouldn’t undermine what it means to be in the Champions League but not celebrating to be in second, we’re celebrating being in the Champions League,” Riveiro said when asked by iDiski Times if they are happy with second place.
“We have the right to be there and it’s something very important for the club. But being second, 23 points behind the first one, it’s not a huge achievement, so that’s our objective from now on; how we can reduce the gap, with whoever is leading the log.
“It’s too much distance between the first and second position. Even though I said many times, that we’re fighting with a team not famous for dropping points frequently, the things we can control, the things in our hands like the last two games, having the opportunity to consolidate second spot and giving away the points we gave, is something we need to do a reflection to understand why.
“It’s our responsibility, but yes celebrate the Champions League spot but obviously not celebrating second and 23 points away from Sundowns in first.”
Pirates and Sundowns meet for the final game of the domestic season in the Nedbank Cup final at Mbombela Stadium on 1 June.
