Jose Riveiro Coach Jose Riveiro will part ways with Orlando Pirates at the end of the season. Photo: AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Media
Image: AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Media
Orlando Pirates are on the brink of history as they chase an unprecedented quadruple under head coach Jose Riveiro, who is set to part ways with the club at the end of the season.
The Buccaneers remain – although they’d need favours – in contention for the Premiership title, the CAF Champions League and the Nedbank Cup, and have already captured the MTN8 and are staring down a feat never achieved by a South African outfit.
Riveiro, who joined the Soweto giants in 2022, has transformed the team into a formidable force both domestically and on the continent.
Known for his tactical discipline and calm demeanour, the Spanish coach has already delivered silverware in previous campaigns – five, to be exact.
Still, this season promises to be his most memorable.
The Sea Robbers have not shown remarkable consistency in the Premiership, but could go neck-and-neck with long-time rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in a fierce title race if they win their games in hand.
With under 10 games of the season remaining, every point counts, and Riveiro’s men have risen to the occasion, grinding out crucial results in hostile environments for a huge chunk of the campaign.
In the CAF Champions League, the Sea Robbers have advanced to the semi-finals after a series of gritty performances, ensuring they remain the only side to remain undefeated in the competition.
Their continental journey has captured the imagination of fans and revived memories of their historic 1995 triumph.
Riveiro’s tactical nous and squad rotation have been key in navigating the challenges of African football.
Domestically, Pirates are also in the final of the Nedbank Cup for the third season in a row, where they face a somewhat rejuvenated Kaizer Chiefs.
With the MTN8 trophy already secured earlier in the season – their third under Riveiro – the Buccaneers are arguably 10 wins away from achieving what is regarded to be impossible.
In 2001, Pirates’ arch-rivals Chiefs won four major trophies: the Vodacom Challenge, BP Top Eight, Coca-Cola Cup and the African Cup Winners’ Cup.
This achievement was famously referred to as “Operation Vat Alles” by Putco Mafani, the club’s then-public relations officer, which translates to “take everything” in Afrikaans.
However, that feat would be eclipsed if Pirates claim their ‘quad’ this season, considering they’d have a domestic league title and they’d be able to count Africa’s premier competition on their list.
What makes this run even more emotional is the looming departure of Riveiro. The club confirmed about a month ago that he would not renew his contract, citing personal reasons.
However, the 49-year-old is determined to leave on the highest possible note, and his team look as strong as ever, having won 14, drawn three and lost three of their fixtures in 2025.
With momentum on their side and belief surging through the camp, the Pirates faithful dare to dream.
A quadruple would not only cement Riveiro’s legacy as one of the best managers to grace the Premier Soccer League, but also etch Pirates into the annals of African football greatness.