Jose Riveiro is arguably the greatest Orlando Pirates manager in the modern era. Where does he stack up in all-time reckoning?
Unreal winning ratio
Jose Riveiro’s trophy-to-match ratio is almost unheard of. Having just surpassed 120 games in charge, he’s won five trophies with the Buccaneers at an average of one trophy every 24 games. An unprecedented three-peat in the MTN8 gives Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls vibes. Well, not quite that epic, but it’s incredibly impressive. We’ve seen the likes of Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson get statues of their likeness built outside Emirates Stadium and Old Trafford. What’s stopping Pirates from doing the same with Riveiro?
A wildly successful ride at Orlando Pirates
Since joining the club in July 2022, the Vigo-born 49-year-old coach has become a firm favourite with fans. He’s overseen three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups, although the Betway Premiership crown is still elusive. Pirates remain in the race, 15 points behind Sundowns but with four games in hand. The league isn’t totally out of the question. They’re also well-placed to reach the Caf Champions League semis, holding a 1-0 aggregate lead against MC Alger heading into the second leg of the quarter-finals. A second star would be a fitting way for Riveiro to bow out.
Buccaneers board prioritises Pitso
According to Soccer-Laduma, the legendary former Sundowns, Bafana, and Al Ahly boss Pitso Mosimane is Orlando Pirates’ number one target. If he arrived, he’d replace the outgoing Jose Riveiro. ‘Jingles’ hasn’t held a managerial post in South Africa since September 2020, when he left Sundowns. Since then, he’s managed clubs across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, and most recently, he had a short post with Esteghlal in the Persian Gulf Pro League. It appears unlikely the 6-year-old is ready to return to his home country just yet.
Is Riveiro the best Pirates manager in history?
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