Unprecedented access: Riveiro explains Pirates’ documentary decision
Orlando Pirates’ head coach has opened up about the unprecedented decision to showcase the team’s dressing room during intense game moments in a recent documentary.
The Buccaneers are the first Betway Premiership side to share their behind-the-scenes moments in a documentary, showing the dynamic relationship between players and the technical team.
In some episodes, the Pirates documentary named: Change Room, depicted a dressing room clash between Tapelo Xoki and Patrick Maswanganyi, where teammates were forced to intervene to stop a physical fight stemming from an on-field disagreement.
Another episode captured players discussing the potential impact of Riveiro’s departure, before the announcement that the Spanish coach would leave at the end of the season by the Soweto giants.
Furthermore, the documentary exposed internal tensions, with Paseka Mako revealing alleged jealousy towards Deon Hotto. He cited Thembinkosi Lorch, among others, as having issues with Hotto’s consistent game time and strong performances.
Riveiro joined Pirates in July 2022, and will head out the exit door when his contract expires at the end of the current season.
The 49-year-old tactician has had a successful spell with Pirates after winning three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cup trophies.
WHAT JOSE RIVEIRO SAID ABOUT PIRATES DOCUMENTING THE DRESSING ROOM
“According to Riveiro, the decision to broadcast the Pirates’ dressing room aligns with the necessity of evolving with the times.
“What you’re getting [on the documentary] is a small percentage of what’s happening in the locker room in a match day or at training,” Riveiro said.
“We’re not going to open everything for people to know, but at the same time, we’re part of the spectacle. Football is a show and entertainment.
“There is a component of interesting things in the game, and we have to go with the times. We are in 2025, and if there are interesting things, we’re performing for the fans.
“And in other sports, like in Formula One and the NBA, it’s been like that for a long time. I think even in football it’s going to be more open as the time goes and we have to accept that, we don’t have to feel like what we’re doing in the locker room is wrong.”
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