Orlando Pirates and PSL chairman Dr Irvin Khoza has revealed a powerful lesson he has learnt from Bucs’ tactician, Jose Riveiro.
Riveiro has been in South Africa for a year following his surprise appointment as Pirates head coach in 2022. The announcement was met with skepticism, as the Spaniard was not a well-known figure in SA football at the time.
However, the 47-year-old hit the ground running in his first campaign, guiding the club to a cup double, the coveted MTN8 and Nedbank Cup.
In addition, he finished second on the DStv Premiership log standings; leading Pirates back to the CAF Champions League. Bucs hammered Djabal Club from Comoros 4-0 over two legs to proceed to the second round of the preliminary stage.
The Soweto giants are also on course to defend their MTN8 title as they beat Stellenbosch FC 2-1 in the first leg of the semi-final in Cape Town.
While taking Pirates to the next level, Riveiro indirectly imparted an invaluable lesson to the club’s boss, Dr Khoza.
THE LESSON DR IRVIN KHOZA LEARNT
“Well, he [Riveiro] taught me what I now talk about, the power of silence,” said Dr Khoza. “You can see he is a modest person, he doesn’t talk much.
“And I remember talking about it, work hard in silence, let the results be your success. He is a hard worker behind the scenes.
“But you won’t see it because he’s of a demeanour that is belying his fortitude, his attitude and his work ethic.”
Khoza was speaking on Tuesday after the official opening of a multipurpose sports court at Lofentse Girls High School in Soweto by Nedbank and Pirates.
The school, based in Orlando, was selected by Pirates to be a beneficiary as the 2023 Nedbank Cup winner. The sports court, which cost R2 million to build was named after renowned coach and Nedbank Cup ambassador Pitso Mosimane.
“Lofentse Girls High School is nestled in the very heart of the community that gave birth to Orlando Pirates, further cementing the club’s commitment to its roots,” reads Bucs’ statement.
“The Pitso Mosimane multipurpose facility is expected to play a fundamental role in fostering the growth of soccer, netball, and volleyball talents within the Orlando community and surrounding schools.”
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