Prior to the start of the season, there had been doubts among some sections of the Orlando Pirates supporters when Jose Riveiro was announced as the club's coach.
Names like 'plumber' were mentioned in referring to the Spaniard as little was known about the tactician at the time.
But the mentor has gone on to prove himself after leading the Buccaneers to MTN8 success earlier in the season and has also qualified the team for the Nedbank Cup final.
Furthermore, Bucs could qualify for the CAF Champions League for next season under his guidance as the team is in the running for second place finish in the DStv Premiership.
Former Pirates attacker Thulasizwe Mbuyane discusses Riveiro's progress at the Soweto giants.
The Good
"Ja, well, the coach has had a good season and I don't want to lie. I also had my own doubts about him when he first arrived but he is proving everybody wrong. But looking at where Pirates was before and where the team is now, he has done very well. The results are there for everyone to see for the team. I think the team has exceeded the expectations of many people under him. I think this is the coach that Pirates should continue with going forward because the previous coaches failed to reach where he has reached. He has led the team to the final of the MTN8 and won it and has now led them to another cup final with the Nedbank Cup and the team is doing well and likely to finish in position two on the log. I feel that the coach should be given a chance to continue with his good job and in my opinion, like I say, he has done well. Also, I believe that Pirates will finish second on the long and my money is on the club doing so successfully," said Mbuyane.
The Bad
When Riveiro Was Dubbed Plumber
"There will always doubters for any coach when he joins a club and the good thing is for him to prove his worth with the results. Another thing is that he is not a South African and there was always going to be skepticism about his credentials. The expectations from the supporters of Pirates are always high and there will always be pressure for any coach in charge of the team. The frustrations from the supporters aren't directed to only the coach but also to the players because the expectations are high as some of the players have previously played overseas and are experienced and one has to understand the supporters' frustrations," he said.
The Ugly
"Pirates supporters are demanding and they need to see the players fighting for the club's badge at all times. But at the moment I feel that the supporters should be happy and understanding because the team has been to two cup finals this season and things look promising," Mbuyane added.
There Is Still A Trophy To Play For
"Pirates have had a good season. It's been a while since Pirates competed for trophies like this but this season the team has done really well. I know that teams always put in 100% effort when they play against Pirates but I was satisfied with the showing from the boys this season. I think the supporters have also been pleased and I don't think that they will be harsh to the team. There is still a trophy to play for, and if they can bring it home, there will be more joy around the club," concluded Mbuyane.
How Would You Rate Pirates' Season Under Riveiro?
