Reporters convened at the official press briefing for the upcoming MTN8 final clash between Orlando Pirates and the formidable Mamelodi Sundowns, scheduled for this Saturday, 7 October 2023, at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium.

In the last few days, the Sea Robbers have come under thorough examination from dedicated fans of The Ghost, as they have endured a four-match losing streak across all competitions, including their shock elimination from the CAF Champions League during the preliminary stage.

Pirates may feel the weight of these results as they go up against Sundowns, who have an impressive unbeaten streak of 32 league games, the longest in the PSL era. Nonetheless, Riveiro emphasizes the importance of looking ahead.

“We are fully focused on the final. It’s done (the previous results), there’s nothing we can do anymore. What we can do is our best this week in order to be prepared. We know we have to execute a very good game if we want to be champions one more time and that’s where our attention is. We try to learn from the mistakes and at the same time, we don’t want to find ourselves crying in the corner (about the past), we look to the future.”

A circulating inquiry among devoted Pirates fans revolves around the omission of key players, such as Thembinkosi Lorch and Vincent Pule, who have been in training but have not been included in any of the match day squads.

Riveiro, in reply, emphasized the club’s array of choices and the preparedness of the players to take the field.

“I feel good, I feel glad to have many options and many players available as I said already several times, we have a big squad not only in terms of number but in terms of quality, it’s complicated sometimes, as you can imagine to select an XI from this squad. It’s always a difficult task but at the same time, it’s challenging to make a mistake because they are all good and when they are on the field it means they are fit, ready, mentally prepared and in that way, I’m a lucky coach to have those types of material in my hands. So I can’t complain.”

In addition, the final might be seen as a rematch following Pirates’ recent 1-0 defeat to Sundowns in the league. However, Riveiro states that it’s a clash between two teams that mutually respect each other.

“We are both teams that know each other very well. There is big respect between us and that means that we are both spending time analysing each other, trying to understand what both teams are doing and the differences. It is nice to play against (them) and it is always attractive (football) when they play against Pirates.” 

Exciting football is undoubtedly anticipated, and this is a factor that has propelled Pirates to three finals, securing two titles – the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup crowns during the previous campaign. 

When asked about the factors contributing to his success since taking charge at Pirates on 22 June 2022, Riveiro conveyed that it has been a collaborative endeavor.

“I am part of a professional structure, starting from the players. They are the ones who are going to find themselves in a final three times in a row. As I always explain, this is a collective team, behind our success there’s many faces, there’s many names, there’s a lot of players and people around me. I am not pretending to be modest, it is the way that I see this profession and we all have a big and different influence in what is happening in the team. Obviously, I have the last word in everything that we do and the main responsibility, that’s why I am here.”

Captain Innocent Maela, representing the players, also attended alongside Riveiro and expressed his thoughts on the camp’s atmosphere and preparations.

“Training has been good, keeping focus, (it’s) a very important match for us. We insist on the things we do each and every time we prepare for a match. The mood is good, the intensity is high and we are looking forward to the match.” 

Addressing the involvement of senior players in boosting the squad before this pivotal match, Maela stated, “Yes, we have senior players but to be honest, all the guys within the group, they know why we are here. We want to win games, we want to be in a place where we play for titles like the coach has been saying. We are excited, the mood is good, the focus is there and we expect ourselves to win. We are that club, that (kind) of team that expects this.”

Sharing his perspective on the team’s development under Riveiro’s guidance, Maela elaborates, “The progress has been there. I mean even the way we play, we play with more fluidity. It has been a year now working with the coach, so we understand him better, we understand his technical team, what they expect from us each day in training, how we go about our preparations, how we go about our meetings, etc. So, there has been good progress, I think us going into our third final in a row, I mean, it says it all, doesn’t it? It’s been a positive, it has been a blessing in disguise. They (coach and technical team) help us with a lot, they are there for us when we need them the most. They are not only coaches but we see them as fathers. I don’t want to lie, it has been positive. 

With Pirates players expressing their determination to bring the title back to Mayfair, the stakes are heightened. Come Saturday, the stage will be set, and a full house will witness the crowning of this year’s champions.

Here’s how Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns progressed to the final: 

Orlando Pirates

Quarter-final: 

Orlando Pirates 5-0 Sekhukhune United 

Semi-final (Leg 1 of 2):

Stellenbosch 1-2 Orlando Pirates 

Semi-final (Leg 2 of 2):

Orlando Pirates 0-1 Stellenbosch (aggregate 2-2 Pirates win on away goals) 

Mamelodi Sundowns

Quarter-final:

Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Swallows 

Semi-final (Leg 1 of 2): 

Kaizer Chiefs 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns 

Semi-final (Leg 2 of 2) 

Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 Kaizer Chiefs (Sundowns win 3-2 on aggregate)