As Jose Riveiro walked off the pitch at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night, the scoreboard behind him read 3-0 – a fitting send-off for a man who had poured his heart into Orlando Pirates.
But it wasn’t just the result against Golden Arrows that comforted the Buccaneers faithful. It was his words.
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“No, never. Once, Always,” Riveiro told the media after what was confirmed to be his final match in charge of the Soweto giants. “I will never coach any other team in South Africa – I’m a Buccaneer. Orlando Pirates are the only club that I could have the motivation and the courage and the energy – and the heart, in this case – to coach in the country. No doubt.”
In a league where coaches frequently switch allegiances, Riveiro’s heartfelt vow stood out like a beacon.
There will be no shock moves to Kaizer Chiefs or Mamelodi Sundowns. For Riveiro, there is only one badge that matters in South Africa – and it’s the Skull and Crossbones.
His farewell was dignified and full of gratitude. But more than anything, it was loyal.
Judging by his bond with the club and its supporters, that reunion might just be written in the stars.
As he steps aside, Riveiro leaves the team in capable hands – those of Assistant Coach Mandla Ncikazi, Head Performance Analyst Rayaan Jacobs, and the rest of the technical team.
“They know what to do,” he said confidently. “We’re talking about people with huge experience in South African football. There’s a clear guideline, our own methodology. There’s not going to be big changes.”
He spoke of trust. Of continuity. Of a technical team that doesn’t just understand the players – but knows them better than anyone else.
“They know that I’ll be there for them in whatever they need as well. Together, we will manage to finalise the season. I have zero doubts that it’s going to be a good month for the team,” concluded Riveiro.
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Riveiro may be expected to take over at Egyptian giants Al Ahly in his next role, but his heart clearly remains in Orlando.
Ezimnyama may have lost a coach, but they haven’t lost a believer. Once. Always.
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