Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has reflected on his stint at the club, terming it a special period of his life.
Riveiro is in the final weeks of his coaching journey with Pirates after announcing that he will not renew his contract when it expires at the end of this season and he is making the most of what is left.
The Spanish tactician has led Pirates to the CAF Champions League semi-final for the first time since 2013 and is still in the hunt for the PSL and Nedbank Cup trophies.
Riveiro, who has won five trophies since arriving at Pirates in July 2022, feels his stint with the Soweto giants has been life-changing.
Pirates stint life-changing for Riveiro
“Yeah, you want me to get emotional now – no way,” Riveiro told journalists after guiding his side past MC Alger to make it to the Champions League semi-final.
“My life will never be the same after being here as a Pirates coach. What else can I tell you? It’s a big change in my life.
“I’m not talking about football. I’m not talking about games. But I’m talking about all of those things that you say in the way that the people are expressing themselves towards me. It’s something special.”
Riveiro, however, does not think he has done anything special at Pirates as everything achieved was part of his mandate.
“No. But the sacrifices are my job,” Riveiro said when asked if he thought what he has brought to the club was special.
Who is Jose crediting for his success?
“I’m here for that reason. I’m here with that mandate. We’re here to try to do everything to put the club in the space that a club like that is itself and the space that the fans want us to be. We know how important football is for them.”
The 49-year-old then paid glowing tribute to the Bucs supporters for their backing which he feels has made his job easier at the club.
“If we speak about the fans, not about you [media], they were always really friendly and kind, especially with the coach,” said Riveiro.
“And like I said, for me, and I said everywhere I go, my life will never be the same after being Pirates coach because this is not just another club. It’s a very special one.”
Pirates, who will face Egyptian side Pyramids in the Champions League semi-final, can now turn their focus on their Nedbank Cup semi-final against Marumo Gallants on Sunday, April 13.
