Orlando Pirates are struggling to maintain their form in the DStv Premiership due to the strain of other competitions, according to coach Jose Riveiro.
The Buccaneers beat Sekhukhune 1-0 at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday, which helped them break a four-game winless run.
Riveiro believes their participation in the MTN8, the CAF Champions League, and the Carling Knockout has damaged their league performances.
“Our schedule was strange. Early in the league we played four games very quickly and then we disappeared… we weren’t in the league anymore [as] we were playing three other competitions,” Riveiro said.
“We had a good run in the MTN8 [ they won it], we didn’t succeed in the Champions League [after being elbowed by Botswana side Jwaneng Galaxy in the second prelim phase] and it happened again in the last game in the Carling [they were eliminated by Richards Bay last weekend].
“It seemed like we weren’t participating in the league with the frequency that you need.”
He added: “It’s difficult; this is not an excuse. I mean the schedule is what it is and we accepted it from the beginning.
“But it’s difficult to prepare yourself, especially mentally, to say today I play for three points, tomorrow I play for one trophy in the final and after tomorrow I play in the quarterfinal in a different competition… three days later I play to qualify for the group stages [of the Champions League]’.”