When Jose 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.
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Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has certainly left an indelible mark on South African football, and his peers tend to agree.
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, and Riveiro last week made the shock announcement that he would not be renewing his contract at the end of the season.
Pirates are also challenging strongly for the Betway Premiership title as they are second on 46 points, with three games in hand over table-toppers Mamelodi Sundowns, who currently are 10 points ahead.
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.
“Even though it is out of my league, I can say he has done a massive job there [at Orlando Pirates],” said Mohafe on FarPost.
“So, winning five cups in three seasons at the club is no child’s play.
“You know, winning a cup every season is not easy. So, he has contributed massively to our league and the club.”
Eight minutes later, Nkosinathi Sibisi netted for Pirates what would turn out to be the winner.
After a goalless first half, Riveiro changed tactics before bringing on two substitutes (Tshegofatso Mabasa and Kabelo Dlamini) just before the hour mark.
Riveiro revealed the change in tactics that made a difference.
“We changed a little bit, like I said in the second half. The position of Patrick [Maswanganyi], the position of Rele [Mofokeng], and [Mohau] Nkota was changed in order to have a different product in those balls we were playing behind the full-backs, especially on the left-side when he was jumping to Deano van Rooyen.
“I think it gave us more time in their half or more depth, at least to see them and have the possibility to rotate.”
@Michael_Sherman
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