Soweto Giants, Orlando Pirates, are on the cusp of history as they welcome Richards Bay FC to the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night. A victory would extend their winning streak in the Betway Premiership to an impressive seven matches.
Under Jose Riveiro’s guidance, Pirates have been in scintillating form, collecting a perfect 18 points from their opening six games. Their last triumph, a 1-0 win over Richards Bay in Durban, showcased the team’s determination and tactical acumen.
In fact, this marked the sixth time in their PSL history that they had won six league matches in a row, with previous streaks occurring in the 2002/03 season under Roy Barreto, 2011 under Rudi Krol, 2020 with Josef Zinnbauer, and again in 2023.
However, the Buccaneers will be wary of their previous encounter with Richards Bay at home, where they suffered a narrow defeat. To avoid a repeat, Pirates will rely on the youthful exuberance of players like Mohau Nkota and Relebohile Mofokeng to break down the visitors’ defense.
This match also marks a significant milestone for coach Riveiro, who is set to complete his 100th match in charge of the club. His tenure has transformed initial scepticism into confidence, with critics previously branding him as a mere “plumber” upon his arrival.
Indeed, this feat has only been achieved once before at the mighty Buccaneers in the PSL era after Ruud Krol.
Riveiro’s leadership has brought considerable success, including three consecutive MTN8 Cup trophies and two Nedbank Cups. Despite finishing as runners-up in the league the last two seasons, his Pirates are eager to make their mark in the current campaign.
The clash is essential not just for league standings but also in light of the upcoming CAF Champions League commitments, where Pirates could face formidable opponents across Africa starting in late November.
With the pressure on, the stage is set for Pirates to etch their name in history with a record seventh consecutive league win. Kickoff at the Orlando Stadium is scheduled for 19h30.