‘Plumber’ turned Cup King: Jose Riveiro’s three-year fix at Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates’ search for a new head coach is set to gather pace following the emotional farewell of Jose Riveiro, who brought his tenure at the club to a close on Tuesday evening after three productive years at the helm.

The Spanish tactician signed off in emphatic style, overseeing a commanding 3-0 victory over Golden Arrows at Orlando Stadium – a result that boosted the Buccaneers’ hopes of clinching a second-place finish in the Premiership.

Riveiro leaves behind a legacy defined by silverware, stability, and a shift in culture.

Here’s a look at five key elements of the lasting impact he made during his time at the club...

The ‘Plumber’ Who Fixed Leaks

Before Riveiro’s arrival, Pirates were struggling to regain their status among South Africa’s elite, particularly in league competition.

After finishing sixth with just 44 points under Mandla Ncikazi in the previous season, questions loomed large over the club’s direction.

When the relatively unknown Spaniard was appointed, scepticism ran high – many judged him prematurely, much like evaluating a book by its cover.

But it didn’t take long for Riveiro to flip the script.

In his debut season, he delivered two trophies and laid the groundwork for future success.

What followed was a fruitful tenure that brought five trophies in three years, and re-established Pirates as serious contenders both domestically and in Africa.

Riveiro was the plumber Pirates didn’t know they needed – he patched every leak, tightened every bolt, and now exits with the system running with few flaws.

Five-Star Performance

The 49-year-old departs the Sea Robbers having turned them into a formidable domestic force, particularly in cup competitions.

Under his watch, Pirates lifted the Nedbank Cup twice and the MTN8 three times – five trophies in just three seasons.

Although they narrowly missed out in the final against Kaizer Chiefs with a 2-1 defeat last Saturday, Riveiro’s cup pedigree remains unmatched, earning him the status of a true “Cup King”.

Platform for New Coach

It’s rare for a coach to bow out on his own terms – rarer still to leave behind a team as well-drilled and mentally primed as this one.

Riveiro’s successor inherits a squad that’s not only confident, but equipped to challenge for major honours right away.

With five wins from six finals and back-to-back top-two league finishes, the bar has been set high.

The new man in charge will step into a pressure cooker of expectation – but with the groundwork laid, the opportunity is there for the taking.

Belief to Conquer Africa

Before this season, the Buccaneers bore little resemblance to the historic squads that lifted the CAF Champions League in 1995 or reached the final in 2013, falling short against a powerful Al Ahly (3-1 aggregate) side.

However, their narrow semi-final exit this year – a 3-2 aggregate loss to Pyramids FC, with the final slipping away in the last ten minutes – has reignited belief within the squad.

Despite their youth and limited experience, this campaign has proven that the Buccaneers can hold their own against Africa’s elite.

That near-miss could be the fuel they need to go one step further next season.

Closing the Gap

Last season, Mamelodi Sundowns reigned supreme, finishing 23 points clear in the league and losing just once under Rhulani Mokwena in a near-flawless campaign.

But under Riveiro’s guidance, Pirates have been steadily closing the gap.

From a sixth-place finish in 2021/22, the Buccaneers have climbed into consistent top-two contention and are on track to make it three consecutive top finishes.

What’s more, they’ve already exceeded their best points total under the Spaniard – surpassing the 54-point mark with four games still to play: a clear sign that their upward trajectory isn’t slowing down.