Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro was visibly emotional as he addressed the media for the final time as the Buccaneers’ mentor.
The Spaniard led Pirates to a 3-0 victory over Golden Arrows on Tuesday in his last match at the helm of the Soweto giants.
The departing Pirates coach led the Buccaneers to an impressive five trophies during his three-year tenure, securing two Nedbank Cup titles and three MTN8 trophies. Riveiro is being linked with a move to Al Ahly, following the Egyptian giants’ recent decision to part ways with Marcel Koller due to a series of poor results.
The Club of the Century is gearing up to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup this June and needs their new coach to join promptly. This suggests Riveiro could finish the season with the Cairo side, who currently lead the table with a few games remaining.
Here are four key takeaways from Riveiro’s final press conference at the Orlando Stadium.
IS HE JOINING AL AHLY?
The biggest question from journalists was whether he would be switching to Cairo. On a day when Riveiro fielded every question with ease, that was the only question he would not answer.
Reports in Egypt say that the 49-year-old coach will take over as Ahly’s coach. He will be the man to guide the team to the FIFA Club World Cup.
“I can’t tell you if it’s not announced, I have the confidentiality thing. It’s not my responsibility to make the announcement. But I think it’s gonna be very soon.”
RIVEIRO DECLARES HE WILL NEVER COACH ANY OTHER TEAM IN SOUTH AFRICA
Having managed the Bucs for three years and become a darling of the club’s fans, he made it clear he would never consider any other South African club in future. He declared that he is a Buccaneer through and through.
“No, never. Once Always. I will never coach any other team in South Africa. I am a Buccaneer. Orlando Pirates is the only club that I will have the motivation, courage, energy and heart to coach in the country,” said Riveiro.
CALLS ON MEDIA TO SUPPORT PIRATES’ NEW COACH
Upon his arrival in South Africa in 2022, Riveiro faced scepticism regarding his credentials. He was labelled ‘Plumber,’ a term used to describe coaches perceived as unqualified for the South African top-flight. Despite this, he has defied the odds.
He made a call to the media to support the new coach. “I wish you would support him, you play an important role in the way things start. I mean the journalists – people who usually are based on facts, not speculation.
The fact is that someone else will come and will be sitting here in front of you with the players as well. For the good of the development of the team, for the good of South African football, it’s important that the people who have a responsibility to communicate, to share the message, to spread the information, are fair with whoever is coming.”
Riveiro wished the new coach the best of luck as he embarks on his journey with the Bucs.
BETWAY PREMIERSHIP IS “A HELL OF A LEAGUE”
He described the South African league as “a hell of a league”, saying it was tough. His biggest lesson, he said, was the importance of resilience.
“I learnt resilience in South Africa. It’s a hell of a league, it’s not an easy one, trust me, guys. It’s unique; the context of South African football is unique.”
Riveiro, who finished second twice, added it was essential to understand the culture to succeed.
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