Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro expressed his deep emotions after guiding the club to an unprecedented third consecutive MTN8 title.
The Soweto giants staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Stellenbosch FC 3-1 in the final.
Riveiro was visibly moved, shedding tears of joy as he celebrated his team’s historic achievement. He praised the high-quality football on display in the final, noting that it was no coincidence that Pirates, Stellenbosch, and Mamelodi Sundowns were all competing in continental competitions.
Riveiro attributed Pirates’ success to their hard work, dedication, and ability to overcome challenges. He acknowledged Stellenbosch’s moments in the game but emphasized Pirates’ overall dominance, even after falling behind.
“It has been a long week, a long preparation for this match; we had to overcome many difficulties this week, to be honest,” said Riveiro. “We managed, together with the coaching staff, with this group of players, to offer a good performance once more time.
“We are celebrating the result, but I think the guys played a brand of football…that is difficult to find in a final. Usually, finals are close, not that open, and also, thanks to Stellenbosch, the way they play, how aggressive they are, and how they want to win the games. It helps to have the opportunity to watch a final this like [entertaining football].
“It was a good level final. Pirates, Stellenbosch with [Mamelodi] Sundowns are playing in continental competition, but not by chance. It is because we are all doing things pretty well, and the level of the game tonight was very high with moments for Stellenbosch but many as I think we were ahead almost all the time even though we were a goal down at some stage.”
Jose Riveiro highlighted a crucial moment in the final minutes that turned the tide in Pirates’ favor. Teenage sensation Relebohile Mofokeng’s quick thinking allowed him to restart play swiftly, setting up Tshegofatso Mabasa for the controversial second goal. Mofokeng would go on to seal the victory with a goal of his own a few minutes later.
“But from the beginning, I did not have a feeling for a minute that we were not going to make it [win],” added the Pirates mentor. “And it happened in the last minutes of the game, a crazy moment as we have smart players upfront, and they managed to create a goal out of nowhere.
“This win is history for the club. It is the team that won it for the third time in a row, not Riveiro. It is history for this group of players and everybody around to come to a final again and play at a high level like they did tonight.
The Spanish tactician has now won all five finals he has played in since he was appointed Pirates coach in 2022, capturing three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cup trophies.