Two days ago, Orlando Pirates made history by winning the MTN8 Cup for the third consecutive season. They defeated Stellenbosch with a score of 3-1, with goals scored by Monnapule Saleng in the 43rd minute, Tshegofatso Mabasa in the 90+1st minute, and Relebohile Mofokeng in the 90+6th minute.
Orlando Pirates, who have not been league champions for 11 years, aims to break this habit this season. This cup victory is the fifth trophy won by coach Riveiro during his two-year tenure with Orlando Pirates.
The Spanish coach’s new goal is to stop the progress of Sundowns, who have lifted the South African league cup for the past seven years, and bring the championship trophy to the club.
“We are taking every game so seriously. We want to fight for the league as well; we want to raise the level in that competition. We want to increase the level of the league itself, giving proper competition to whichever contender wants to fight for the league as well. Fighting for the league is important, that goes without saying, but it’s not about talking here. It’s something we need to show week-in, week-out wherever we go, wherever we travel.”
“So far we’ve managed to do it. We’ve played three league games in a short space of time and managed to win all of them. It’s absolutely necessary for us as a club, as a team and for the league as well. Our commitment this season is to get the maximum out of each and every competition.”
Although it’s difficult to predict who the champion will be since only the third week has just ended, we can say that a league full of surprises awaits us.
