Outgoing Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has expressed the profound impact his three-year tenure with the Buccaneers has had on his life.
Speaking after guiding the Soweto giants to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League, the Spaniard stated unequivocally, “My life will never be the same.”
Riveiro, who is set to depart the club at the end of the current season, appeared emotional as he addressed the media following the momentous achievement. Pirates beat Algerian side MC Alger 1-0 to progress to the semi-final of the CAF Champions League, where they will face Egyptian side Pyramids FC.
Interestingly, the Soweto giants are the only club that has yet to taste defeat in the competition.
Riveiro’s Bucs tenure has been marked by significant successes, including five domestic cup victories and, now, a remarkable run in the CAF Champions League. This latest achievement of reaching the semifinals alongside reigning South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns underscores the progress made under his leadership.
WHAT JOSE RIVEIRO SAID WHEN REFLECTING ON HIS PIRATES STINT
“Yeah, you want me to get emotional now – no way,” he jokingly told journalists. “My life will never be the same after being here as a Pirates coach. What else can I tell you? It’s a big change in my life.
“I’m not talking about football. I’m not talking about games. But I’m talking about all of those things that you say in the way that the people are expressing themselves towards me. It’s something special.”
When asked if he felt his sacrifices were worth it after all these achievements, he replied, “No. But the sacrifices are my job.” He added: “I’m here for that reason. I’m here with that mandate. We’re here to try to do everything to put the club in the space that a club like that is itself and the space that the fans want us to be. We know how important football is for them.”
The 49-year-old coach is positive that the remaining eight weeks will be special. He paid tribute to the fans for backing him from the start of his tenure.
“If we speak about the fans, not about you [media], they were always really friendly and kind, especially with the coach. And like I said, for me, and I said everywhere I go, my life will never be the same after being Pirates coach because this is not just another club. It’s a very special one.”
The 1995 African champions turn their focus to the semifinal of the Nedbank Cup at the weekend. Pirates host Marumo Gallants at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday.
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