Riveiro silenced critics after trophy win

Jose Riveiro, the coach of Orlando Pirates, has silenced critics and all those who questioned his appointment by one of South Africa’s leading teams.

Riveiro won his first trophy less than six months after arriving in South Africa. This occurred last week, after Pirates defeated AmaZulu 1-0 in the MTN8 final, which was witnessed by over 50,000 soccer fans at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Soccer fans refer to European coaches who have never won a trophy as “plumbers.”

Riveiro has made a name for himself with his MTN8 Cup victory. However, after the game, the Bucs coach said that his team’s victory is not an answer to his critics. Riveiro, who was pleased with his team’s success, said that he is only a coach.

“Our success is not a response to those who criticise me. I am a coach, and I am just doing my job. I was hired because I demonstrated to the Pirates’ management that I am qualified to coach their team,” said Riveiro following last week’s game in Durban.

“Many things are required for the team to succeed. Yes, I am the one who has been tasked with changing the status of Pirates, but I have no control over what people think of me. That is why I am not concerned about them.

“In a big team like Pirates, I saw an opportunity to make a difference. I am still grateful to management for the opportunity to coach Pirates,” said Riveiro.

After winning the MTN8 Cup, his team will be in good shape for the Carling Black Label Cup match against Kaizer Chiefs. However, fans will be pleased if Pirates can exact revenge after being defeated by Chiefs last month.

The Carling Black Label match between Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu will kick off at 9am on Saturday at the FNB Stadium.