Once, always – Jose Riveiro bids emotional farewell to Orlando Pirates and The Ghost

“I will forever be a Buccaneer. Once and always ..."

Those were the parting words of outgoing Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro to the club's supporters after his final game in charge. Riveiro bade farewell to the Ghost after his side beat Golden Arrows 3–0 at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Tuesday night.

The Spaniard had requested an early release from his post a few weeks ago, having already announced that he would not renew his contract at the end of the season. However, it was only on Monday afternoon that the club confirmed he would take charge for one last time when Pirates hosted Arrows in Orlando.

Riveiro’s final match came just days after the disappointment of losing the Nedbank Cup final to arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday. Understandably, with that loss still fresh, some fans were still reeling. Yet a handful of loyal supporters braved the chilly Johannesburg evening on Tuesday to bid their coach farewell.

Following goals from Tshegofatso Mabasa, Deon Hotto and Kabelo Dlamini, Riveiro made his final speech and took a last lap around Orlando.

“I just want to say thank you for all the love that you’ve given me since I arrived in Orlando — from the first day until today,” he said.

“You cannot imagine how much love is leaving with me. Please take care of these guys (the players). Be supportive and be patient with them!”

Riveiro did not receive much fanfare when he first arrived at Pirates, with many ridiculing his underwhelming track record. But over the years, he won over the hearts of the Ghost. So much so that some fans printed special banners for his final game at the helm.

One banner that appeared to deeply move him read: “Muchas Gracias Padre Jose Riveiro Por Siempre Una Leyenda” (Thank you, Father Jose Riveiro, Forever a Legend).

Despite the occasion and the emotions, Riveiro used his farewell to plead with The Ghost to welcome his successor with open arms and to give him time to build the team according to his own vision.

“There’s going to be another coach with you soon, and he’ll need you as well. Be patient with him. Support him and his coaching staff,” he urged.

“Together, go to the next step. All the best for the future. I’ll forever be a Buccaneer. Once, always. I will support you from a distance now. Up the Bucs!”

Speaking to the media after the game, Riveiro cut an emotional figure, reiterating how much Pirates had impacted his life.

“My life in general will never be the same after coaching Pirates — and in another country,” he said.

Riveiro remained tight-lipped about his next move, simply stating: “It’s confidential for now, even though it will be revealed soon.”

However, the Spaniard has been strongly linked with Egyptian giants Al Ahly.