Orlando Pirates have emerged as a different team this season, leading the Betway Premiership log, and now head coach Jose Riveiro has revealed what turned their mentality around.
For two seasons in a row prior to the current campaign, Pirates finished their league schedule in second spot but were 16 points and 23 points behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns, respectively.
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Although they won cup doubles in 2022/23 and 2023/24, their league form left a lot to be desired, especially in the early stages, as they peaked late in those two campaigns.
Currently, Bucs have made their best-ever start in the PSL era, after winning their first seven matches, and are three points ahead of second-placed Sundowns in the standings.
According to Riveiro, coming from behind to defeat The Brazilians 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup final in June gave them the belief they have what it takes to finally challenge for the league title.
"It's not only one factor, but if I have to highlight one of them, I think it's a change of mentality within the group, within ourselves. I would also include our fans," Riveiro said when asked what changed for his side to be so consistent, on 947's MSW.
"The confidence that the team is showing probably is coming from the last stage of the past season, specifically coming from the last game of the season, the Nedbank Cup final, the resilience that the team showed on that day.
"Having the capacity to come back in a game against Mamelodi Sundowns to conquer that trophy, it was [a] really good way to start the current season in that moment. The team now plays with a high level of confidence, it doesn't matter what is happening in the game. Even the fans, when things are not coming together, everybody still believes we can make it," the Spaniard continued.
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With the Nedbank Cup final seemingly headed for extra time, Relebohile Mofokeng produced a moment of magic to snatch the winner in added time and handed Masandawana only their second domestic loss in regulation time all season.
The 47-year-old tactician has been named Betway Premiership Coach of the Month for September/October.