Orlando Pirates academy graduate Lonwabo Magugwana, who is on loan at Chippa United, has offered insight into how coach Jose Riveiro harnessed the potential of young players.
Riveiro, who won five trophies in three seasons, left a lasting legacy at the Buccaneers, thanks to his ability to integrate academy stars into the senior team.
The Spaniard is credited with introducing talents like Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi. While Nkota has since moved to Saudi Arabia, Mofokeng and Mbokazi remain key players for both Pirates and the national team.
Although Magugwana didn’t establish himself at the Bucs and went out on loan to Chippa, he still pointed to Riveiro as the key to his own transition to senior-team football.
HOW DID JOSE RIVEIRO MANAGE TO GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUNG PLAYERS
“Coach Riveiro was exceptional. I think he was very exceptional in communicating, like talking one-on-one,” Magugwana told FARPost. “His coaching [style], he really wants you to understand more of what he wants and he wants you to express yourself on the field, play your game.”
He recalls his personal talks with Riveiro while training with the first team under the former Al Ahly coach. According to him, their conversations went beyond football, and they discussed life.
“I think personally it was something about life. He was so humble. He wants you to be at your best. He wants you to leave everything off the field.
“When you come to the field, you leave everything at the gate, no matter what the circumstances are. But then you have to be open with him also and talk to him about what’s happening. And then he will talk to you and tell you what you should do,” he added.
The Cape Town-born defender is excited about his stint with the Chilli Boys and has expressed his desire to help the team finish in the top eight. He is eager to launch his professional career in the Eastern Cape.
The 23-year-old, who formerly partnered with Mbokazi in the reserve side, cut his teeth at Cape Town Spurs and Cape Town City FC before joining the Soweto giants.
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