When Orlando Pirates named Jose Riveiro head coach ahead of the 2022/23 season, his appointment was met with scepticism to say the least.
Many questioned whether a relatively unknown coach—whose career had largely played out in Finland—was suited to lead a club of Pirates’ stature. However, it didn’t take long for the 47-year-old to prove his critics wrong.
In his first season, Riveiro secured an MTN8 trophy, lifted the Nedbank Cup, and guided the team to a second-place finish in the then DStv Premiership.
These were not mere strokes of luck; they were a testament to his tactical acumen, ability to build cohesion, and a deeply ingrained winning mentality.
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In his second season, he repeated the feat—defending both the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup titles, a rare accomplishment in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Then, earlier this season, he made history by guiding Pirates to a third consecutive MTN8 title—known affectionately as the “Wafa Wafa” Cup—an extraordinary milestone for any PSL coach.
The outgoing mentor had a chance to claim a sixth trophy when Pirates met Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final this past weekend. However, it was not to be, as Amakhosi emerged 2-1 victors at Moses Mabhida Stadium, ending their 10-year trophy drought.
Despite the heartbreak, Riveiro’s legacy is secure. Five trophies in less than three years, two league runner-up finishes and a semi-final run in the CAF Champions League have cemented his name among the greats of the Soweto giants. And all this from a coach who arrived without a glittering CV or silverware pedigree.
Riveiro was expected to leave the club at the end of the current campaign, but Orlando Pirates announced he would lead the team one last time on Tuesday when they host Golden Arrows in a Betway Premiership fixture at Orlando Stadium.
The announcement came as a shock to many Buccaneers fans, who were already grappling with the news of his departure. In a heartfelt message on the club’s website, Riveiro expressed gratitude for his time at Pirates and thanked the entire Pirates family for their support.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to Orlando Pirates for allowing me the opportunity to leave before the end of my contract. As someone who has never found goodbyes easy, this moment is particularly emotional for me,” Riveiro said.
“I am deeply grateful to everyone at the Club – from management and technical staff to the players and the many individuals behind the scenes who work tirelessly to support the team.
“To the players, thank you for believing in the journey we shared and for giving everything on the pitch. And to the supporters—when I first arrived, I challenged you to come out in your numbers and rally behind your team.
You did that, and more. You turned every match into a moment to remember, and your passion is something I will carry with me forever. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this great Club’s story.”
Beyond the trophies and accolades, Riveiro’s impact runs deeper. He restored pride, structure, and belief at a club that was desperate to return to winning ways.
Perhaps more significantly, he gave youth a chance. Under his stewardship, young talents like Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Thabiso Sesane, Mbekezile Mbokazi, and the recently-emerging Simphiwe Selepe have thrived—not because of reputation, but because of merit.
Riveiro trusted talent, embraced the club’s philosophy, and balanced results with development – hallmarks of a visionary coach. His ability to build one of the most formidable squads in the league, while also integrating youth, sets him apart in an era where immediate results often come at the cost of long-term vision.
While it wasn’t a fairy-tale ending for the Spaniard, his journey with Pirates will forever be etched in the hearts of fans. He leaves not just as a coach who brought silverware, but as a leader who helped restore the Buccaneers’ identity.
As he prepares to walk off the pitch one last time in Orlando Stadium, Riveiro does so with the pride of a man who gave everything – and leaves behind a legacy that will stand the test of time.