WeeklySA_AdminDouble-edged dream: Pirates determined to dethrone ‘Downs and make ‘exiting” coach Riveiro proud
By Jo-Mangaliso Mdhlela
As Orlando Pirates takes the field in Polokwane, Limpopo, could it be that what presently swirls in the players’ mind is the desire to displace Mamelodi Sundowns as the Betway PSL championship league leaders?
Pirates take on Polokwane City in a league fixture tomorrow, trailing Sundowns on the log by 15 points.
But the important statistic that ought to be music to the AmaBhakabhaka ears is that while Amasandawana are enjoying a wide and comfortable lead on the log, the Sea Robbers, at 43 points, have played four times less games than the champions who have clocked 23 games to Pirates’ 19.
If all things were to remain the same, and supposing Pirates were to win all their next four games, this would put them closer to the league’s winning margin, having been propelled to 53 points to Downs’ 58 – which would be a good spot to inspire confidence that the elusive Betway trophy could be within their grasp.
So, as the first whistle blow ordering the start of hostilities against Polokwane City tomorrow, Pirates will have nothing in mind other than to win it for their exiting head coach, Jose Riveiro.
This could serve as a gesture of goodwill and thanksgiving – a tribute to Riveiro for the role he played in motivating players to believe in themselves, and to turn things around for Pirates to the delight of the supporters.
This, he deserves. His work, to ship-shape the team into a cohesive winning unit, is self-evident. Under his stewardship the Buccaneers have turned out to be a solid team worth of praise.
In his tribute to the head coach, chairman Irvin Khoza had nothing but praise for Riveiro, and unsurprisingly so because the man’s achievements, in his words, “speak for themselves”.
He is right. They do. Since the head coach’s arrival three years ago in 2022, the team has won five trophies – three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups. By any stretch of the imagination, this is no mean achievement, a feat that has contributed to much revelry and chest-beating among the Buccaneers followers.
But equally so, the impending departure, to come about at the end of the season, has caused hearts to be heavy-laden, as expressed by Khoza in a statement.“While we would have liked José to extend his stay with us, at the same time, we fully respect his decision.
“We are grateful for everything he has done for the Club. The joy that José and his support staff have brought to this Club will never be forgotten,” he said.
Coming back to the upcoming match, for 13 long years since 2012, the Buccaneers have not had the fortune to enjoy the honours of being title-holders of the prestigious league championship – an honour that has been the joy of Sundowns.
To unseat Sundowns, the journey begins tomorrow, and the indications, if Bucs’ current bustling form is a yard stick to go by, the Orlando East outfit should find it not too difficult to snatch victory against tough-as-nails Polokwane City.
This is to say without undermining the prowess of the Polokwane side to hold their own against any team – and the proof is their standing on the Betway Premiership log, placed on the sixth spot – four notches below Pirates. With that in mind, Pirates players must brace themselves for a rough and tough going.
All-round, Pirates’ players are a winning unit, but it would be a grave omission not to single out the sensational Relebohile Mofokeng.
He is a great midfielder, brimming with great ideas – and idealism to match the best in the world – including Lamine Yamal, the FC Barcelona 17-year-old sensation who have cause the world to watch in great awe.
Fixtures:
AmaZulu v Richards Bay (Today)
Saturday
Golden Arrow v Chippa United
Marumo Gallants v SuperSport United
Mamelodi Sundowns v Stellenbosch
Kaizer Chiefs v TS Galaxy
Sunday
Cape Town City v Sekhukhune United
PROUD OF MOZAMBIQUE’S JOURNEY
HISTORY: Portugal-born forward Pepe Santos is making a big impact with a national team still in the hunt for World Cup qualification
By Sports Reporter
Even with limited Mozambique appearances caps under his belt, Pepo Santos has already shown he could be a key figure in a potentially historic qualification campaign for the FIFA World Cup 26™.
Pepo made his debut for the national team in 2024 and now, aged 31, the Portugal-born forward is enjoying an impressive run of form for Mozambique, his mother’s country of birth.
In March 2025, he excelled during his side’s 3-1 win over Uganda, scoring two fine goals – one of which was direct from a corner kick – as well as providing an assist. Mozambique were beaten 5-1 by Group G pacesetters Algeria in their next match, but still sit in second place and just three points behind the leaders.
In CAF qualifying, the nine group winners will secure a direct ticket to the World Cup, with the four best second-place teams advancing to another round to determine the confederation’s representatives in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.
With everything still to play for, Pepo spoke to FIFA about Mozambique’s big ambitions.
FIFA: How does it feel to play in high-stakes World Cup qualifying matches?
Pepo: It’s an unbelievable feeling. Unfortunately, I never managed to play at this level earlier in my career. Coming up against players of that quality has been great, I’m really proud of that.
Do you believe Mozambique will be at the World Cup?
We know that losing to Algeria has made the task more difficult. Even so, we still believe we can do it. Anyone could still slip up. We’re going to try to be ready to take advantage if that happens. If not, we’ll fight to be one of the best second-place finishers to make it into the play-offs. We believe that we can do it.
Do the Mozambique players talk about the dream of qualifying?
Of course. We’ll do everything we can to make it happen. But we’re also aware that we’re already creating history for Mozambique, and we’re very proud of the journey we’ve been on.
What was going through your head at the end of the match against Uganda?
To be honest, my thoughts at the end of that match were that we actually had a chance to get to the World Cup. I really want to play in these big games, and helping the team with goals is an unbelievable feeling. What was going through my head was that we could qualify.
You scored a goal straight from a corner. Did you mean it?
I meant it, yes. The keeper was way off his line and I had the wind in my favour, so I went for it.
Have you scored a goal like that before?
Yes, I scored from a corner when I was playing for UD Leiria – and it was filmed, I have proof! I’ve tried it a few other times before and, thankfully, this time it went in again.
You provided a great assist for Stanley Ratifo, too. Do you consider yourself more of a goalscorer or someone who creates chances?
If I had to choose one, I’d say I’m more of a goalscorer. But I also really like to provide assists – I actually have more assists than goals. I really like to provide for my team-mates.
You were born in Portugal, but you decided to represent Mozambique. What was it like to be called up for the national team?
I’d already been called up when I was 25 or 26 but, for personal reasons, it never ended up happening. As the years passed, the conversations seemed to be dwindling. Then, when I was 30 and playing for Caldas, the call came again. The call-up came at the right moment.
In terms of your role with the team, what type of conversations did you have with Mozambique coach Chiquinho Conde?
They’ve always been very transparent, very open. My role has always been very clear, which was about trying to help the national team achieve its goals. To be honest, Mozambique had already come a long way before I came into the team – they’d already been to the Africa Cup of Nations and were picking up some good results. My role was to help them.
How does it feel to be such an experience player, but just starting out in international football?
I came into the national team later in my career, despite my first call-up coming when I was younger. I think it came at a point when it all made sense. I feel that I was really prepared for those games. My ambition is the same as when I was younger.
