Riveiro: Thanks for the memories, Pirates

JOSE Riveiro is leaving Orlando Pirates having earned himself legendary status, but he admits that if it wasn’t for hard work, he wouldn’t have made that lasting impression.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

Riveiro sat on the bench for his last match as the coach of Pirates when they beat Golden Arrows 3-0 at Orlando Stadium, Soweto, on Tuesday night. That perfect end to Riveiro’s stint at the club was coupled with a handful of fans who braved the chilly Johannesburg weather to bid their ‘padre’ (father) farewell.

Riveiro requested an early release from his contract, which was granted by the club, after already deciding against renewing his deal at the end of June. He leaves Pirates as a legend not only due to the five trophies he won and three successive second-place finishes in the Premiership, but the lives he touched as well.

The Spaniard believed in the club’s youngsters as he integrated them into the team a feat that alongside the winning mentality, made the Ghost happy people again.

As he made his farewell speech to the club's supporters and did a last lap of honour around Orlando Stadium, emotions ran high on the field and in the stands. But after catching his breath following all the pleasantries, Riveiro addressed the media for the last time as the Buccaneers coach, revealing what it took for him to endear himself to Pirates’ faithful.