Following their win over Richards Bay on Tuesday night, Jose Riveiro's name is now firmly etched in the history books of Orlando Pirates as the club's best coach in the modern era!
The 47-year-old head coach reached a significant milestone—his 100th game in charge of the club—becoming only the second coach in the PSL era to do so, following in the footsteps of the legendary Ruud Krol, who managed 119 games with the Bucs.
Riveiro's landmark 100th game came with more than just personal recognition.
His side not only secured three valuable points with a 1-0 win, but also set a new club record in the process. With their victory, Pirates extended their winning streak to seven consecutive league wins, surpassing the previous record of six straight victories that had stood since the 2002/03 season.This achievement now sets a new benchmark for the club, one that Riveiro's Pirates will look to build upon in the future.
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Since his appointment two and a half years ago, Riveiro has transformed the team, winning five major trophies and becoming the most decorated Pirates coach in the PSL era (since 1996). His success at the helm has also placed him on par with the legendary Tony Sanderson, who also won five titles with the club in the 1973/74 season.
Beyond the team's success, Riveiro has also surpassed personal milestones. During his time at his former club, Inter Turku, he achieved 56 wins from 102 matches, a win percentage of 55%. At Pirates, he has now secured 61 victories, boosting his win percentage to an impressive 61%. This improvement reflects not just the consistency of his tactics but his ability to get the best out of his squad.
Under Riveiro, Pirates have scored 178 goals, while conceding 82. Comparatively, at Inter Turku, he led his team to 164 goals but saw 109 goals against them. The numbers speak volumes about his defensive and attacking balance at Pirates, setting the stage for continued success.
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Riveiro's record-breaking tenure at Orlando Pirates has solidified his place as one of the most influential figures in the club's modern history. As he continues to break new ground, there is no doubt that the club's future under his guidance looks brighter than ever.