Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has shown his respect towards Stellenbosch FC for taking the race for second place until the final day of the 2023–24 DStv Premiership season.

The Buccaneers secured second place in the league on the final day when they drew 1-1 with SuperSport United, finishing on 50 points, beating third placed Stellies on goal difference.

However, Pirates will now turn their attention to the Nedbank Cup final when they take on Mamelodi Sundowns in a mouth-watering fixture at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Riveiro praised the Maroons for pushing them till the end to secure second place, stating they were “very tough opponents”.

“I think they really intensified the competition this season, they were a very tough opponent. Today, they are not in the second spot but imagine extremely sour.

“But for us, we probably deserved to be there so I think good day for us.”

The Nedbank Cup final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns kicks off at 3pm on Saturday.

Photo by Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix