Orlando Pirates coach Riveiro hails his players for producing ‘special season’ as he bids farewell to the PSL - ‘We’ve won a final, and we’re competing in another final’

Jose Riveiro is set to step down as Orlando Pirates head coach at the end of the season, bringing his successful tenure to a close.

Since joining the Buccaneers, the Spaniard has secured at least one trophy every season, cementing his legacy.

Speaking to the media, he praised his squad’s fighting spirit and consistency throughout a demanding campaign.

Despite only clinching the MTN8 so far this season, Riveiro emphasised the team’s hunger to push for both the Nedbank Cup and a late challenge for the league.

He expressed pride in their resilience and unity during a tough run of fixtures.

His focus remains on ending his stint with more silverware and leaving the club in a strong position.

“This group across the season has managed to show that their resilience shouldn’t be questioned,” Riveiro said after the match, as reported by Sowetan.

“They are competing in every competition. We’ve won a final (MTN8), and we’re competing in another final [the Nedbank Cup]. We’re trying to run a race with Mamelodi Sundowns until the final day, and we were 10 minutes away from playing in a Champions League final.

“They’re proving that ... they can do something special, or maybe we don’t, because there are factors that are out of our hands. However, the commitment and composure of the team are something they can keep, and they will continue to win in the future.”

“I think three years ago, after my first derby here, the first question coming from my left was something like, ‘Congratulations, you are the first Spanish coach to lose one game at FNB,' and now we are sitting here with five victories. I’m happy with the performance of the players.”

Riveiro has lost just one Soweto Derby in six encounters, a testament to his tactical edge against Kaizer Chiefs.

He now prepares for his third Nedbank Cup final in a row—this one possibly his last with Pirates.

The upcoming showdown at Moses Mabhida presents a chance to complete a Nedbank Cup hat-trick.

Ending on a high note would solidify his status as one of Pirates’ most successful modern-era coaches.

Orlando Pirates face Golden Arrows next in a must-win clash to keep pressure on Mamelodi Sundowns.

Dropped points could all but end their league title hopes.

They then turn their attention back to arch-rivals Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday in Durban.