We can't slip now, says Jose Riveiro ahead of Pyramids clash

With silverware in sight on multiple fronts, the Buccaneers are gunning for a historic treble - eyeing the Nedbank Cup, pushing for the Betway Premiership title, and chasing continental glory in the CAF Champions League.

Pirates welcome Egyptian giants Pyramids FC to the Orlando Stadium on Saturday for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, a clash that could shape their legacy this season.

"We know that we cannot afford to lose any game if we want to really compete with the current champions," said Riveiro.

"In the knockout games, it's the same: you win, or you go home, and for me, that's the most important thing."

Despite holding an advantage in the previous round against MC Alger, Riveiro insists that his side maintained their winning mentality throughout.

"We are trying to approach every game to win. Even against MC Alger, although we had a little bit of an advantage coming into the second game, we intended to win the match, and we didn't change our mentality."

Riveiro emphasized that consistency and a winning mindset are non-negotiable at a club of Pirates' stature.

"Whatever is coming, we try to face the game with the same intention, and that's the way we handle it," he added.

"We don't have any other option, we can't just stop, we have to go again and again. The moment you shine at a club like Pirates and decide early in the season that you want to fight for every competition, then you have to be consistent with that - we don't complain."

With the season reaching its boiling point, the Soweto giants know the margin for error is razor-thin - and under Riveiro's leadership, they're embracing the pressure with clear intent: to win it all.