Mthethwa joined Pirates in 2015 however, he spent most of his time on loan spells playing for Richards Bay and Chippa United respectively.

Returning to the Sea Robbers in June 2022 saw Mthethwa struggle with game time as he wasn't featured more often in the starting XI of the side.

Amid the frustrations and uncertainty surrounding Mthethwa on when he would receive his big breakthrough and feature in Riveiro's plans, the 26 year old has been consistently making appearances in Pirates' past six matches and Riveiro concedes that Mthethwa is on the right path.

I always say that players improve because they want to improve, that's the first thing you need as a player - to always seek to improve your approach for the next game and your overall performance," Riveiro said.

Mthethwa was part of Pirates' starting XI squad that won 2-1 against Cape Town City last week Saturday, moreover the lanky defender came on as a substitute in Pirates' 5-4 Nedbank Cup penalty shootout victory against Dondol Stars converting the winning penalty for the Buccaneers.

With Pirates on an impressive run of form lately, Riveiro has revealed that the positive energy within the team is key for them to continue on maintaining the momentum until the end of the season.

I also think there are many other players who are also improving in our squad and as the technical team we are proud to witness such, we have managed to have a little bit of continuity too and it has worked," Riveiro added.

Mthethwa and co. will be looking to continue where they left off over the weekend when they travel to the Mbombela Stadium for a date with TS Galaxy on the 29th of April.

With the focus still on attaining the CAF Champions League spot for next season, Pirates will then welcome Royal AM on the 3rd of May 2023 at the Orlando Stadium.

Chasing another domestic trophy after winning the MTN 8 last year, Riveiro's charges will lock horns with Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup semi-final on the 6th of May at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

A home clash against Sekhukhune United on the 13th of May and an away fixture to AmaZulu on the 20th of May will wrap up the Sea Robbers' DSTV Premiership 2022/23 season.