Jose Riveiro is the man tasked with turning Orlando Pirates’ fortunes around, and fans are eager to see the side transform under the Spaniard. Riveiro has explained how he wants his team to play just a little over a month after taking over as head coach.
The 46-year-old mentor was speaking during Thursday’s DStv Premiership launch event, insisting that they want to play an entertaining brand of football.
The former Celta Vigo development coach knows that the Buccaneers enjoy a massive following of demanding fans.
“I’m coming from Celta de Vigo academy, helping young talents to grow and become professional football players. Now facing this chance in South Africa, I am very excited to be here.
“We must offer a good show every time we play, and it doesn’t mean we have to play tiki-taka. We have to be brave. We must be a proactive team and look for a good result every week, every chance we have.
“We’re playing for the fans. We’ll have the fans back in the stadium. It’s one of our advantages, one of our strengths. Our commitment comes with our performances,” he added.
“We understand what we are. We understand what we represent as a coaching staff and a football squad. So I’m looking forward to showing it.”
Bucs’ new man in charge spent the last seven years coaching in Finland, and the Pirates job is his first in Africa. He replaced the duo of Fadlu Davids, whose contract was not renewed, and Mandla Ncikazi.
However, Ncikazi has remained a second assistant, with Riveiro arriving with his two assistants. Sergio Almenara is the first assistant coach, while Miguel Bellver Esteve serves as a fitness trainer.
The Buccaneers continue preparing for the new season ahead of the opener at home against Swallows. The game will kick off at 15:30 at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 6 August.
Pirates defender Innocent Maela will lead them for the first time as captain. The Bafana Bafana left-back was announced as the new skipper of the team after the departure of Happy Jele.
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