When Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro was unveiled by the club in June last year, not many in the fraternity gave the Spaniard a chance to do well and he had to prove what he was all about throughout his first season.
At the time, the Soweto giants had announced that Riveiro had joined on a three-year deal amid much criticism from the fans and media alike on whether he was the right choice for the job.
Some called him a 'plumber', which is an insulting word used by local football fans to describe those not skilled enough about the game, while others questioned his know-how due to little information that was known about him at the time.
Prior to arriving at Bucs, Riveiro had previously worked in Finland where he was in charge of FC Inter.
Fast forward to the end of the 2022/23 season, Riveiro is a proud MTN8 and Nedbank Cup champion, while he has also led Ezimnyama to CAF Champions League qualification after the team finished second on the DStv Premiership log.
Former Pirates goalkeeper Innocent Mayoyo discusses the season Bucs have had under Riveiro.
The Good
"I think Pirates have done very well, especially the coach who has been new in the country and in the league. Under the circumstances, he did very well because a lot of people didn't give him a chance. The coach has proved himself that given a chance to continue in his role, he will be able to challenge Sundowns for the league. Going back to Africa will assist Pirates in shortening the process of getting to the level of Sundowns. It is a good achievement for the team to have qualified for the Champions League. I am pleased for the club, coach and the players, the progress made is there for everyone to see," said Mayoyo.
The Bad
On Comments That Pirates Should Challenge Sundowns For League Title
"The success of the team should not be judged based on whether Pirates can challenge Sundowns or not. It shouldn't be looked at in that way, that Pirates should be challenging Sundowns under this new coach they have. It's a process. The success that Sundowns are enjoying now is something that was started a while ago and the club has been working on it over the years. Also, Sundowns have been exposed to playing in Africa season after season and they have the experience. So, people cannot expect Pirates or any other team in the league for that matter to just challenge Sundowns. Furthermore, Sundowns have a recruiting system that nobody can match and it is working for the club," he added.
The Ugly
On Criticism Directed To Riveiro When He Arrived
"For any coach to be successful, he must be given a chance. That should be the norm. Pirates did it, and the coach was given a chance and he delivered. The only unfortunate thing about the PSL is that our local coaches are not given a chance in the same way their overseas counterparts are given. But it is good that Pirates brought such a knowledgeable coach and stood by him and the improvement for the team is there for everyone to see," concluded Mayoyo.
Can Pirates Challenge Sundowns For League Title In The New Season?
