The Spanish Guitar's final notes: Riveiro aims for more glory before departing Pirates

Deon Hotto of Orlando Pirates during the MTN8, Final match between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium on October 05, 2024 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Alche Greeff/Gallo Images)

By Yanga Sibembe

4 Apr 2025

Nicknamed the ‘Spanish Guitar’ by doting Orlando Pirates supporters, coach José Riveiro hit the right notes throughout his tenure in Soweto.

When he arrived at Orlando Pirates, the Soweto side had won just one trophy in eight years. As he leaves, Spanish coach José Riveiro walks away from a team that he has led to five major trophies in just under three years.

On Thursday, 3 April 2025, Riveiro and Pirates confirmed that they would be parting ways when the Spaniard’s contract lapses at the end of the current season.

Before this break-up is sealed, the coach still has an opportunity to add more gold medals to his South African haul.

The Buccaneers are in the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup, which they have won twice in a row under Riveiro. They are also in the quarterfinals of the Caf Champions League and have the quality to reach the final of the continental club competition. The Sea Robbers are not out of the Premiership race either.

This means that before Riveiro pulls the plug on his highly successful Pirates career, he can add even more gloss to an already glittering tenure.

Crouching tiger, hidden dragon

Upon his arrival in 2022, Riveiro was subjected to all kinds of derision by the South African soccer community. How could Pirates trust a little-known European coach (who had primarily coached in Finland) with leading them to success? The Pirates hierarchy had clearly lost plot, the masses felt.

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro. (Photo: Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images)

Riveiro did not even have a trophy on his CV. So how could he help the Sea Robbers win silverware? Such questions were thrown around in the early days of Riveiro’s time in Orlando. The Spaniard chose to remain silent and respond on the field.

“I have been hired by the club. We are going to work to make history together and build a team we are all proud of. I don’t spend time thinking about what people say about me. My work must do the talking for me,” he said at time of his unveiling.

His work has spoken, loudly. In his first season he won the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup. He has since won the latter competition a record three consecutive times, and is gunning for a similar feat in the Cup. To say he has exceeded expectations would be an understatement.

“While we would have liked José to extend his stay with us, at the same time, we fully respect his decision. We are grateful for everything he has done for the club,” stated Pirates chairperson Irvin Khoza.

Orlando Pirates celebrate winning the MTN8 against Stellenbosch FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 5 October 2024 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo: Alche Greeff / Gallo Images)

Deon Hotto of Orlando Pirates during their MTN8 Final match against Stellenbosch FC. (Photo: Alche Greeff / Gallo Images)

“The achievements of the intervening years speak for themselves. The joy that José and his support staff have brought to this club will never be forgotten,” Khoza said.

Riveiro had constantly spoken about how difficult it has been for him, with his wife and young daughter opting to live in Spain, while he works in South Africa. In 2024, his assistant Sergio Almenara departed Pirates for similar reasons.

“The club’s immediate priority will be two-fold. Firstly, in keeping with his wishes, we will find the appropriate time to fully express our appreciation of José and his contribution to the club,” the Khoza added.

“Secondly, for the football department to begin the extensive exercise of finding a suitable replacement ahead of the 2025/26 season,” he said. “We appreciate the three years of service that José has given this institution and fully support his decision. Wherever his journey takes him, he must know that the Orlando Pirates family will always be behind him.”

Lasting legacy

During his time in South Africa, the soft-spoken Riveiro transformed disdain and scepticism into admiration, while not stooping to the level of his critics — instead choosing to remain humble throughout.

The Spanish coach will be desperate to win more silverware before departing. However, even if he does not, his legacy in South Africa is tightly sealed. He has overtaken Ruud Krol’s record of 119 matches in charge of the Sea Robbers.

More importantly, in an industry that is ruthless to coaches when it comes to hiring and firing, Riveiro leaves on his own terms. He walks away a better coach than he arrived, with Pirates having evolved alongside him.

“The time will come for me to express myself on the decision I have made, but now isn’t that time because we have a job to do. The season is far from over and we have a lot of work to do between now and the end of May,” Riveiro said.

“Obviously, in an ideal world, one would have wanted to hold on making any statements until the end of the season. But it’s not possible. The club needs to plan for its future and it’s only fair that they are given time to do so,” he said.

Nicknamed the “Spanish Guitar” by doting Pirates supporters, Riveiro will drill it into his players how important it is that they remain focused and hit the right notes as their time together nears a bittersweet end. DM

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South Africa

Crouching tiger, hidden dragon

Lasting legacy