Jose Riveiro Coach Jose Riveiro is preparing for a third historic Nedbank Cup final with Orlando Pirates.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Comment by Herman Gibbs
As the sun sets on Jose Riveiro’s tenure at Orlando Pirates, a pivotal moment looms on the horizon - the chance to secure a stunning third consecutive Nedbank Cup title.
It will be a fitting climax to a journey that has rekindled Pirates' competitive fire and established Riveiro as a legend in South African football.
When Riveiro first stepped into the limelight at the helm of Pirates in July 2022, the football community was rife with scepticism, and he was mischievously labelled a ‘plumber’.
Many questioned the decision to appoint an unknown Spanish coach to lead one of the league’s most storied franchises.
Now, as the dust settles on the 2025 season, it’s clear that those doubts were unfounded.
The Spaniard transformed Pirates into a formidable contender, capturing five major trophies during his tenure and securing a place for the club among the country’s elite.
As Riveiro prepares for his Nedbank final match in charge, the stakes are even higher.
The upcoming fixture presents an extraordinary opportunity: no coach in the history of the Nedbank Cup has ever won the trophy three years in a row.
Under Riveiro’s stewardship, the Pirates have flourished in the Nedbank Cup, boasting a remarkable unbeaten streak in 14 matches.
Out of these encounters, the Spanish tactician has guided his team to victory in 12 games, with the remaining two triumphs coming via nerve-wracking penalty shootouts.
Such an impressive record underscores Riveiro's adept mastery of cup football and his ability to navigate the pressures that accompany knockout tournaments.
A Nedbank Cup final would not merely be a statistic; it would be the crowning jewel of an already illustrious career with Pirates.
Although Riveiro’s legacy is solidified, a final trophy would be a fitting farewell to the club and its loyal supporters.
His departure at the end of the current campaign marks the conclusion of an era, and winning this title under his inspirational leadership would ensure that the curtain falls most spectacularly.
As Pirates prepare to take the field, supporters will be united in their hopes for a historic conclusion to a remarkable tenure to celebrate Riveiro’s resilience and triumph against the odds.
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