Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro says every competition is important, and his side are running their own race as they prepare to face Baroka FC in the Nedbank Cup round of 16 at the Orlando Stadium tomorrow (3pm kick-off).
The Buccaneers have been in a heated league battle that has hit a few stumbling blocks along the way, and as they shift their focus to defend their cup crown, their chase for the domestic treble still has a pulse.
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Riveiro has already won the MTN8 competition earlier this season, and he is in search of a historic hat-trick of wins in the Nedbank Cup.
The Spanish mentor has had to juggle between domestic and continental football, and as fixtures come thick and fast, he has welcomed the pressure and expectations that come with his hot seat.
“There is pressure for us in every game and in every training session; there is always pressure, but it’s good for us,” Riveiro said while addressing the media yesterday.
“It’s something that is normal because every time we go into the field, people expect us to win – and sometimes not just winning, but sometimes it goes beyond the capacity to win games.”
The 49-year-old mentor added that the expectation for his team to back up their successive trophies does not weigh heavily on them, but serves as motivation instead.
“There is no extra pressure because we won the competition last season. That is the past, and we are writing another chapter of our time together here,” Riveiro said.
“We want to be victorious and continue having the possibility of playing finals – and so far, we are doing well.
“We are running our own race. We are fighting. We already have one trophy in our cabinet this season.
“We are trying to fight for each and every game and competition this season.
“I have read somewhere that this is one of our best seasons in terms of points and victories, and what can I say about the team in the Champions League?”
Pirates’ 4-1 loss against their direct Premiership rivals Mamelodi Sundowns created an uproar throughout the week as it put a dent in their league aspirations.
Riveiro emphasised that it was like any other defeat, and his team have been preparing for their upcoming encounter against Bakgakga like they would for any other match.
“The game changed in particular moments. We have analysed and checked what we did right and wrong.
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“It will not be about bouncing back, but about going into the field and playing our football, and trying to progress to the next round.
“That is the process. We don’t hold three-hour meetings trying to feel sorry about ourselves because we didn’t score.
“So, there is no bounce-back. Everything isn’t bad on the day... it was a game of moments.
“When you look at the score, you would think there was a lot of difference between the two teams.
“You win or lose games for a reason, and we move on as soon as possible.”