Pirates’ recent form gives Riveiro hope of securing Champions League spot

"We need to win first," said Riveiro of their trip to Durban.

"We need to think first about how we're going to win the game. We need the three points so we can be proud of the performance of the team in the last part of the season.

"We're glad to be going into the last fixture with the opportunity in our hands. We need to win and hopefully with enough advantage to consolidate our chase for second spot."

Pirates are unbeaten in eight league games since their loss to Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs at the end of February. Riveiro's side had won six matches on the trot before drawing their last two at home against Royal AM and Sekhukhune.  

Had Pirates' form been consistent all season, they would have given champions Mamelodi Sundowns a run for their money. Losing eight and and drawing six matches created a 19-point gap between Pirates and the champions, who finished their programme with a 1-1 draw against Maritzburg United on Tuesday.

AmaZulu are completing their programme on Saturday having ensured they won't be dragged into relegation.