Riveiro’s Impact at Orlando Pirates: 141 Matches, Five Trophies, and Hotto’s Key Role

Since taking over at Orlando Pirates in August 2022, José Riveiro has overseen a remarkable transformation at the club. With 141 matches played under his guidance, the Pirates have clinched five trophies, securing their place as one of South Africa’s top football clubs in recent years. Riveiro’s tactical approach, commitment to development, and strategic squad rotation have brought consistent success, and players like Deon Hotto have become central to his plans.

Deon Hotto, the 34-year-old Namibian winger, has been one of Riveiro’s most reliable players. In his time under the Spanish coach, Hotto has made 132 appearances, missing only nine matches out of the 141 played. This places his contribution at an impressive 93%, underscoring his importance to the team’s success. Hotto’s versatility has been a key asset for Riveiro, as he has played in various positions, including left-back, left-wing, and left midfield. The Namibian international’s adaptability and work ethic have made him a constant presence in Riveiro’s matchday squads.

Hotto’s performances in the 2024/25 season have been nothing short of stellar. With six goals and nine assists, his combined total of 15 goal contributions highlights his impact on the pitch. This is a significant improvement from the previous season, where he registered eight goal involvements, and it shows his growth under Riveiro’s coaching. His contribution was key in both domestic and continental campaigns, proving that he has become a crucial player for Pirates.

While Hotto’s role has been consistently strong, he’s not the only player to benefit from Riveiro’s coaching. The Pirates coach has managed to get the best out of several other key players, with Kabelo Dlamini, Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tapelo Xoki, Monnapule Saleng, Patrick Maswanganyi, Makhehlene Makhaula, and Evidence Makgopa all playing significant roles in the 70 or more games under his guidance.

Riveiro’s ability to rotate his squad and keep players motivated across multiple competitions is a testament to his managerial skills. His tactical flexibility has allowed Pirates to succeed on both the domestic and continental stages, with five cup finals appearances in just over two years, a feat matched by few.

Under Riveiro, Pirates have continued to dominate South African football, proving their worth as one of the country’s leading clubs. The team’s five trophy wins have been the product of a well-oiled, disciplined unit, where every player knows their role, and none are indispensable. For Hotto, this means the opportunity to play at his best while contributing in every match.

Riveiro’s impact at Pirates has been immeasurable. His first match, a 1-0 win over Moroka Swallows on August 6, 2022, was a sign of things to come, with his last victory being a hard-fought win over Golden Arrows earlier this season. The continuity in the team’s performances under his leadership has been key to their consistent success, both in the league and cup competitions.

As Riveiro looks to continue his reign at Pirates, the future looks bright. With a squad brimming with talent and key players like Hotto and Sibisi continuing to shine, Pirates are well-positioned for continued success. The upcoming season promises further success, as the club aims to add more silverware to its already impressive trophy cabinet.

Riveiro’s tenure at Orlando Pirates has brought stability, success, and trophies to a club that has been searching for consistency. His ability to get the best out of players like Deon Hotto and his tactical acumen have solidified his place as one of South Africa’s most respected coaches. The Pirates faithful can look forward to even greater achievements under Riveiro’s leadership.