Coach Jose Riveiro’s Last Game

On Tuesday, 13 May 2025, Jose Riveiro presided over his last match as Orlando Pirates coach in a 3-0 thriller over Golden Arrows. At the end of the match, fans all over the stadium and players alike celebrated the coach’s positive contribution to the club, with songs, chants and messages of appreciation.

Jose Riveiro Joins Orlando Pirates

Jose Riveiro joined the Sea Robbers in June 2022, stepping into a world where few knew his name. Almost immediately, the doubting Thomases of South African football questioned showed little faith, prematurely labelling him a “plumber” – a South African epithet for a coach perceived to lack the technical acumen to lead a football club to glory.

Yet, Riveiro quietly set about silencing his critics. When he took the reins of the Ghosts, Pirates had endured a barren spell without a major trophy for 8 years. Under his guidance, however, the Buccaneers not only reclaimed their their wining capability but did so with flair and determination.

Jose Riveiro’s Achievements with Orlando Pirates

Riveiro’s legacy at Orlando Pirates is etched in silverware and player development:

• 5 major trophies added to the club’s illustrious cabinet.
• Qualified the club for the CAF Champions League, where they had a commendable run, narrowly bowing out in the semi-final to one of Egypt’s giants, Pyramids FC. Pirates led twice in a thrilling match but were ultimately edged out by a single goal in front of the club’s home crowd in Egypt.
• Promoted a host of young talents into the first team, giving rise to stars like Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Mbekezele Mbokazi, Boitumelo Radiopane, Selaelo Rasebotja, and Simphiwe Selepe.
• Improved the performance of key players such as Deon Hotto, Evidence Makgopa, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thalente Mbatha, Makhehlene Makhaula, and Sipho Chaine. His influence was so profound that several of these players earned national team call-ups.
• Outwitted the indomitable Mamelodi Sundowns twice in major cup competitions, a remarkable achievement considering Sundowns’ dominance in the league.
• Cemented his place in history as the only coach in the PSL era to win the Soweto Derby five times.

Coach Jose Riveiro Will Not Be Forgotten

He will go down in South African football history and the history of Orlando Pirates as one of the most successful coaches to ever coach the Buccaneers.
He will be sorely missed.

Once and Always!