Riveiro: I'm flattered by Bafana job talk, but back Broos for now

JOSE Riveiro is chuffed to be tipped by some to succeed Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, but he argues that it's not up to him to decide - which is why the masses should continue celebrating the team's trajectory for now.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

Broos will vacate his national team hot seat after the 2026 Fifa World Cup, bringing to an end an illustrious five-year tenure that already includes qualifying for back-to-back AFCON tournaments, as well as next year's global showpiece in North America.

Given that Broos' shoes will be difficult to fill, a number of pundits and Bafana followers have backed Riveiro to take over the reins from the silver-haired Belgian.

Their motivation is inspired by the fact that Riveiro had an equally impressive three-year spell at Orlando Pirates - winning five trophies and finishing as league runners-up three times - before moving to Egyptian giants Al Ahly this season, where his stay was short-lived.

Speaking upon his return to the country yesterday as the Carling All-Stars ambassador - after being the winning coach of the one-day match in the last two seasons - Riveiro reflected on the faith shown in him.