Chiefs and Pirates Unwilling to Give Up Despite Challenges

Kaizer Chiefs interim coach Cavin Johnson and Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro have both weighed in on whether they are still in the running for the Premiership title, despite falling far behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on points in the league log.

The Glamour Boys lost their third game in five league matches after going down 2-1 against Golden Arrows on Saturday, in Johnson’s first game in charge. However, Johnson still believes that they are not yet out of the title race, as Sundowns are involved in a lot of competitions, including the African Football League and the CAF Champions League.

“It’s too early to call it off, Sundowns are playing many, many competitions, Pirates are playing many, many competitions, SuperSport (United) are playing many competitions. We are playing many competitions,” Johnson told journalists. “I think it’s early to talk about who will win the league. Especially with the big AFL in front of Sundowns,” he said.

On the same subject, Riveiro was asked whether he is concerned about his side ruining their chances to compete with Sundowns after dropping points in three consecutive games following their 1-1 draw against Polokwane City. The Buccaneers are 15 points behind the Brazilians in 13th position on the log and have only played one game less than Sundowns ahead of their eighth league fixture on Wednesday against Cape Town Spurs.

“Concerned with the points? I cannot be concerned with the points. Points is something abstract, it’s a figure. I cannot be concerned with a point,” Riveiro said in a press conference. “I’m not concerned but I’m busy with the problems that we have, to make sure that game after game we get new problems but not old problems. If we continue to have old problems, then we’re doing something wrong,” he said.

“So that’s the thing, I’m busy trying to help my players to win games and score more goals but no, not concerned (about points),” he added.