With 3-1 and 3-2 defeats at the hands of SuperSport United and Stellenbosch FC in December, Riveiro's credentials especially in the DStv Premiership were beginning to be questioned.

Even though Maela insisted that he wasn’t aware that Riveiro was under fire, the left-footed defender has made it clear that as players they still have faith in the coach.

We are in this together and what happens externally unfortunately we don’t have control of, I know that we support him and he supports us,” Maela said.

Since joining the Sea Robbers in 2022, Riveiro has managed to win two MTN 8 titles as-well as the Nedbank Cup and Maela believes there are more trophies that Pirates are yet to win under the guidance of the Spanish tactician.

With the DStv Premiership only returning on the 13th of February 2024, Maela and co. will look to redeem themselves in pursuit of returning back to their winning ways when they host Chippa United at the Orlando Stadium.

Currently occupying the fifth spot on 25 points, Pirates are 10 points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and just four points behind the CAF Champions League spot.