Since Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro made the shock announcement that he would be leaving his post when his contract runs out at the end of the season, the tributes have been flowing in.
Over the weekend, Pirates edged hosts Polokwane City 1-0 in their league encounter.
Riveiro’s opposite number, Polokwane coach Phuti Mohafe, had some high praise for his counterpart despite the loss his side had just suffered.
Riveiro’s side, who are still challenging for the Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, and CAF Champions League titles, welcomed the kind words of his peers.
Riveiro relishes peer recognition amid triple trophy pursuit
“Thank you to Phuti, thank you to the coach. I didn’t hear him. I trust you on this one,” Riveiro told iDiski Times.
“Obviously, for us coaches, if you get the recognition of your work from colleagues, I think it’s the best one that you can get from your own players and from your colleagues. It’s something to appreciate.”
When Riveiro first joined Pirates in 2022, he was nicknamed ‘The Plumber’ as his acumen as a coach was not known in local circles as he had mostly served as an assistant in his five previous jobs overseas.
Flash forward to April 2025, Riveiro has won two Nedbank Cups and three MTN 8 titles with the Soweto Giants.
“Like I said many times, I just came here to try to do my best to help my club, help my team get better, to improve, to go to a better place, to go to a better level together with the coaching staff and the super staff.
“So far, I think we did a good job. It is for the people to evaluate what we do each and every day for these players for the club as well and directly for South African football as well. Like I said, I’m just trying to do my job as best as I can professionally, with dedication, with passion, and if the consequences of that are getting results.”