Jose Riveiro calls for patience as Orlando Pirates continue to falter

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has asked for patience as the side continues to falter in the early stages of their DStv Premiership campaign.  

After being tipped as the only team that could challenge runaway log leaders and six-time successive champions Mamelodi Sundowns for league honours, the Sea Robbers have not looked the part yet.  

Riveiro hopes for an improved display when they face impressive Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium on Friday.  

Pirates have dropped 10 points in their six games and are 16 points behind Sundowns who have 24 points after winning all their eight games. Bucs are in 13th place, though they do have a few games in hand as most teams have played eight or nine times.  

But Bucs' record of winning just two games, drawing two and losing two has not inspired confidence they can turn games in hand into points. They sagged to another disappointing result being held to a 0-0 draw against AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday.  

Riveiro has again had to field questions about how seriously his team, which has enjoyed success winning the last three cup competitions, can really challenge Sundowns for the league title.

“[it is] six games in the league, are we going to do an analysis of our performance in the league after six games? Be patient. There’s still a long way to go,” Riveiro said.  

“Like I said, [against AmaZulu] we collected one point away from home and we have to always be positive. It's one point and it’s going to help us continue.

“We [the coaches] know, and the players know, that this was not a 0-0 performance, but this can happen. We need to avoid that happening too frequently [and] we are not happy with the results, that goes without saying.

“But what if all those chances went to the back of the net? We wouldn’t care about that story, right? It’s only one result, be patient.”  

After starting the season like a house on fire, seeming to score goals for fun, Pirates have found it tough to hit the target in their past six games in all competitions.  

Polokwane will not be an easy target for the Buccaneers as the minnows have done well after their promotion back to the top flight.  

The Lehlohonolo Seema-coached side are in fifth place in the league with 14 points after nine outings.  

However, City will miss one of their key players, Ndamulelo Maphangule, who is suspended.