Riveiro gives journalists homework on why Pirates can't catch up to Downs

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has thrown a challenge to the media on why they are not consistent enough to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the DStv Premiership title.

The Buccaneers have blown hot and cold this season, with their campaign summarized by a statement from Riveiro that they played better against Moroka Swallows, in a 1-1 draw, than they did against Golden Arrows, where they won 7-1.

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"I think we played better against Swallows than against Golden Arrows. How can you explain that, after a 1-1 and a 7-1? You (the media) can do it. The focus from your side is always the result and sometimes for the people watching football but not for us," he said in a pre-match press conference ahead of their Nedbank Cup quarter-final against AmaZulu FC.

"We're not far, we're there. We're replicating performances and then results are results. Do you want me to analyze why we didn't win the game against Swallows? I told you the same after the press conference, it's your side, it's your part of the business, it's not mine," emphasised the coach.

Well, one of the major reasons Pirates may be struggling for consistency and consequently find it difficult to compete with Sundowns, is the variety of the squad quality.

The Brazilians have not only raised the bar in collecting points, but the quality of their squad has the variety of overseas players, particularly the South Americans, who bring a different mentality.

In comparison, Bucs have largely remained the same in the way they acquire new signings and have not gone beyond their comfort zone to shock their system with players from overseas countries, let alone make serious marquee signings.

There has been a lot