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Jose Riveiro 16-9GOAL
Dingizwe Gwala

Jose Riveiro: Can Orlando Pirates coach guide the Buccaneers to PSL title ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns post 100-game celebration?

The European mentor has pressure to maintain the brilliant start in the PSL as he recently celebrated 100 games in charge of the Buccaneers.

In a sport where results speak louder than words, first impressions can be everything, and often, the critics come out before a new chapter has even begun. Take Jose Riveiro, for instance. When the Spaniard first stepped into the Orlando Pirates' dugout, he was met with skepticism and even ridicule.

Some went so far as to dub him “a plumber” - a harsh football term reserved for those deemed unworthy of the top job, whether player or coach. It was an unfair, premature assessment, but as we all know, in football, nothing silences doubters like success on the pitch.

And that's exactly what Riveiro delivered. With five cup titles already under his belt, his Pirates side has taken the 2024/25 season by storm, and they have yet to lose a single match in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). With 21 points from seven games, they are storming to the top of the table, leading the charge in the early stages of the title race.

Under Riveiro, Pirates have finished as runners-up twice in the league, always trailing the dominant Mamelodi Sundowns. But now, with a revamped squad and a renewed sense of purpose, is this the year that he turns his cup-winning success into league glory?

To mark his 100th game in charge, GOAL takes a deep dive into the impact of Riveiro at Pirates, as he stands on the precipice of a new chapter in his journey.

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  • Jose Riveiro, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    Focused on the job, silenced the noise

    When Riveiro was appointed as head coach of Pirates, the opinions came flooding in. Pundits, fans, and sections of the media were quick to pass judgment, and many had already written him off before he'd even kicked a ball. Some took it a step further, throwing cryptic barbs and snide comments, dismissing him as just another outsider in a league where local knowledge often holds sway.

    But Riveiro - who recently opened up about Relebohile Mofokeng's development - was unmoved. His mantra was simple: Focus on the job at hand. Silence the noise. Instead of being weighed down by the weight of early criticism, he locked in on his work, proving that actions speak louder than words. And, ultimately, the doubters were left with nothing but egg on their faces. It wasn't long before Riveiro began to let his results do the talking.

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  • Jose Riveiro, Orlando Pirates, October 2024Backpagepix

    The 100-game milestone: a legacy in the making

    In football, milestones like 100 games are not just numbers; they mark the start of something bigger. For Riveiro, his 100th match at the helm of Pirates - which he has reflected on - a victory against Richards Bay, solidified his place in the club's rich history. He now joins an elite club, becoming only the second coach in PSL history after Ruud Krol to reach this milestone.

    Krol, of course, remains a fan favourite, having managed Pirates in 119 matches - but Riveiro is quickly making a name for himself, and his impact on the Buccaneers is undeniable. The 3-1 win over Richards Bay was more than just a routine three points. It also set a new club record for the longest consecutive winning streak in the league: seven straight victories, surpassing the previous high of six matches that had stood for more than two decades, since the 2002/03 season.

  • Jose Riveiro, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    A cherry on top: setting new standards

    What makes Riveiro’s achievements all the more remarkable is the context in which they’ve been achieved. Under his stewardship, Pirates have not only won five trophies in just over two and a half years but have set new benchmarks for success at the club.

    His haul includes three MTN8 titles, two Nedbank Cups, and an unprecedented string of victories in domestic competitions. With seven consecutive league wins now in the bag, Riveiro has established a new standard for Pirates to aspire to. The 47-year-old is now the most decorated Pirates coach in PSL history, with his five trophies outshining even some of the club's legends. In fact, he has matched the club record for most trophies by a single coach, previously held by Tony Sanderson.

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  • Jose Riveiro, Orlando Pirates coach. May 2024.BackPagePix

    Impressive trophy-to-game ratio: Riveiro’s numbers are insane

    When you take a step back and break down the numbers, Riveiro’s record is nothing short of remarkable. In his 100 matches in charge, he’s managed to secure five major trophies. That’s an average of one trophy every 20 games. Let that sink in for a moment - no other coach in South African football has maintained such a stunning trophy-to-game ratio. This kind of consistency, particularly in knockout competitions, is a testament to Riveiro’s ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. And the best part? Riveiro’s trophy collection might not stop here. With the Nedbank Cup up for defense this season, he’s poised to add yet another piece of silverware to his growing collection, further cementing his reputation as South Africa’s Cup Kings.

  • Jose Riveiro, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    The road ahead

    Riveiro’s journey at Pirates is far from over, but with each passing game, he’s building a legacy that will be talked about for years to come. From being the target of early skepticism to leading the club to unprecedented success, Riveiro has proven that football is a game of patience - and the best coaches are often those who take the long road, silencing their critics with every win.

    As the league title beckons and more trophies loom on the horizon, one thing is certain: the story of Riveiro and Pirates is far from finished. In fact, it’s only just getting started. The first step for Riveiro now, as all eyes are on him following his perfect start to the PSL. He needs to guide the Buccaneers to the league title, which would be the first in over a decade of playing bridesmaid to the champions. The ball is effectively in your court, Riveiro.

  • Mohau Nkota and Jose Riveiro, Orlando PiratesBackpage

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