Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has spoken out after guiding the club to a historic third consecutive MTN8 title victory.
The Soweto giants staged a comeback to defeat Stellenbosch FC 3-1 in the MTN8 final at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Monnapule Saleng, Tshegofatso Mabasa, and Relebohile Mofokeng were on target for Pirates, who became the first team in the competition’s history to win the Top 8 title three times in a row since its inception in 1972. Lehlohonolo Mojela had given Stellenbosch an early lead.
The mastermind behind Pirates’ unprecedented three-peat MTN8 triumph, Riveiro was overcome with emotion, shedding tears of joy after the final whistle.
Riveiro praised the “high level” of the MTN8 final, noting that it was no coincidence that his troops, Stellenbosch and Mamelodi Sundowns, were all competing in continental football.
In addition, he attributed Pirates’ success to their hard work and dedication, stating that beating Stellies wasn’t a fluke. Riveiro acknowledged Stellenbosch’s moments in the game but emphasised Bucs’ overall dominance, even after falling behind.
JOSE RIVEIRO PRAISES INTENSE MTN8 SHOWDOWN
“It has been a long week, a long preparation for this match; we had to overcome many difficulties this week, to be honest,” said Riveiro. “We managed, together with the coaching staff, with this group of players, to offer a good performance once more time.
“We are celebrating the result, but I think the guys played a brand of football…that is difficult to find in a final. Usually, finals are close, not that open, and also, thanks to Stellenbosch, the way they play, how aggressive they are, and how they want to win the games. It helps to have the opportunity to watch a final this like [entertaining football].
“It was a good level final. Pirates, Stellenbosch with [Mamelodi] Sundowns are playing in continental competition, but not by chance. It is because we are all doing things pretty well, and the level of the game tonight was very high with moments for Stellenbosch but many as I think we were ahead almost all the time even though we were a goal down at some stage.”
Riveiro went on to highlight a crucial moment in the final minutes. Teen sensation Mofokeng’s quick thinking allowed him to restart play quickly, setting up Mabasa for the controversial second goal. Mofokeng subsequently scored the winner a few minutes later.
“But from the beginning, I did not have a feeling for a minute that we were not going to make it [win],” added the Pirates mentor. “And it happened in the last minutes of the game, a crazy moment as we have smart players upfront, and they managed to create a goal out of nowhere.
“This win is history for the club. It is the team that won it for the third time in a row, not Riveiro. It is history for this group of players and everybody around to come to a final again and play at a high level like they did tonight.
The Spanish tactician has now won all five finals he has played in since he was appointed Pirates coach in 2022, capturing three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cup trophies.
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