Orlando Pirates have fired back to the critics who questioned the lack of experience of Jose Riveiro when he was appointed, going as far as labelling him as “plumber”.
The Buccaneers posted an appreciation post for the Spanish guitar following the MTN8 triumph.
The 46-year-old guided the club to its third straight MTN8 title. They made history becoming the first PSL club to achieve this feat since the tournament’s inception.
This was his fifth trophy in his Pirates tenure having also won two Nedbank Cup titles in a row. Riveiro took reins ahead of the start of the 2022/23 season, replacing Josef Zinnbauer.
The club praised Riveiro for being able to step into the head coach role and hit the ground running, leading the team to success in a short space period of time.
PIRATES APPRECIATION POST FOR JOSE RIVEIRO
“It’s not often that a new head coach steps into a football club and immediately makes the kind of impact that Jose Riveiro has at Orlando Pirates,” Pirates stated via their website.
“This past weekend, Riveiro led his team to MTN8 glory with a commanding 3-1 victory over Stellenbosch FC.
“The win secured the Buccaneers their third consecutive MTN8 title – a record-breaking feat never before achieved in the Premier Soccer League era.
“Riveiro, the once little-known Spaniard faced scepticism from parts of the football community when he joined the club two years ago.
“Critics questioned his so-called lack of experience, with some even resorting to derogatory labels, dismissing him as a “plumber.” But the then 46-year-old (now 49) took the higher road and focused on his work.”
Win ratio:
Riveiro has achieved a record of 58 victories, 17 draws, and 20 defeats across 95 matches, resulting in a win percentage of 60%.
This places him in second position, tied with Mike Makaab, behind Julio Leal, who holds a win ratio of 64%, although this was accomplished over only 28 matches.
Top 3 Coaches by Win Ratio:
- Julio Leal: 64%
- Jose Riveiro: 60% / Mike Makaab: 60%
- Ted Dumitru: 54%
Total wins:
Riveiro holds the second position in total victories with 58 wins, trailing Ruud Krol, who achieved 65 wins in 125 matches from 2008 to 2011.
Top 3 Coaches by Total Wins:
- Ruud Krol: 65
- Jose Riveiro: 58
- Mike Makaab: 41
