Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro reached a new landmark in the club’s history after their match against Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday night.
The Buccaneers were held to a 0-0 draw by ten-man Stellies, who had their defender, Brian Onyango, sent off in the 35th minute for denying Tshegofatso Mabasa a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
While victory would have been a fitting celebration for Riveiro’s 120th match in charge, a milestone he reached since his appointment in 2022, the Buccaneers were ultimately frustrated.
This fixture marked Riveiro as the longest-serving coach, surpassing Ruud Krol’s previous record of 119 games at the helm.
Speaking after the match, Riveiro, while appearing content with securing a point from the draw, conveyed his pride in achieving this managerial landmark.
He further expressed gratitude to the club’s management for the opportunity to spearhead the Soweto giants and for their patience during his tenure.
RIVEIRO BECOMES PIRATES’ LONGEST-SERVING COACH
“Well, it’s been a long run, obviously. It’s just a number, but obviously when you have a look at that number, you know how much dedication is behind, how much time and sacrifices,” said Riveiro.
“I’m not going to say I’m proud of myself because I’m not doing this alone. For coaches in our positions to stay in a club for a period of 120 games…I’m about to finish my third season here at Pirates. It looks normal, but it’s not.
“So, I have to say thank you to the management of the club for being patient with me, with the coaching staff, with all of us to, year after year, keep growing as a team and as a group. Probably, I cannot give the real value or the meaning of those 120 games. But let’s go for more.”
Since his arrival at the beginning of the 2022/23 campaign, the Spanish tactician has amassed an impressive collection of five major trophies.
He etched his name in PSL history by guiding the Buccaneers to a record-breaking three consecutive MTN8 triumphs – a feat no team has achieved in the league.
He has also hoisted two Nedbank Cup titles and is hoping for another three-peat this season.
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