Jose Riveiro Reflects on Biggest Lessons After Orlando Pirates Exit

Jose Riveiro has officially ended his three-year tenure as head coach of Orlando Pirates, and as he parts ways with the Soweto giants, the Spaniard has opened up about the most profound lessons he’s taken from his time in South Africa and the Premier Soccer League.

Riveiro leaves the Buccaneers with five trophies in the cabinet, having restored the club’s competitive edge both domestically and on the continent. Under his guidance, Pirates not only lifted silverware but also pushed hard for more, narrowly missing out on the Nedbank Cup in a final loss to arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs, and reaching the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League in a campaign that saw them reassert their continental credentials.

The Buccaneers are set to finish second in the Betway Premiership behind the dominant Mamelodi Sundowns, who have now claimed their eighth consecutive league title. Despite not clinching the ultimate domestic prize, Pirates’ season has been marked by consistency, intensity, and marked progress under Riveiro’s leadership.

Following his final match in charge — a convincing 3-0 win over Golden Arrows — Riveiro addressed the media and reflected on his South African football journey. When asked about what he would take away from his experience in the PSL, he offered a clear and passionate answer.

“Resilience. Resilience. It’s a hell of a league. It’s not an easy league. Trust me, guys, it is not an easy one,” said Riveiro. “I think the context is very unique. I can’t speak much about that, but the context of South African football, it’s very unique.”

He explained that one of the most vital lessons was learning to fully understand and respect the local football culture, rather than simply relying on technical expertise.

“As a lesson, I think my job as a coach is to understand where I am. If I don’t do it, then I’m not going to succeed. It doesn’t matter how much I know about football and how quickly I am to read what is happening on the field, if I don’t understand the culture and the space, it’s not going to work.”

The Vigo-born tactician admitted that his time in South Africa helped shape his perspective not just as a coach, but as a person.

“I learned here not to judge anybody. I don’t do it. Sometimes early in my career, I used to ask myself why this kind of behaviour,” he said. “Now, I’ve come to understand how important it is to listen, to adapt, and to respect every environment I work in.”

Riveiro’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Orlando Pirates. While the club prepares to conclude their league campaign with three remaining fixtures, speculation is already swirling around Riveiro’s next destination.

He is widely expected to be unveiled as the new head coach of Egyptian giants Al Ahly, following the departure of Marcel Koller. If confirmed, the move will see Riveiro step onto one of the biggest stages in African football, taking on the pressure and expectation that comes with leading the most successful club on the continent.

For Orlando Pirates, the search for a successor begins as they aim to build on the solid foundation laid by the Spaniard. His legacy at the club is one of tactical intelligence, calm leadership, and an unwavering commitment to adapting and thriving in a complex football environment.

As Riveiro moves on to new challenges, South African football bids farewell to a coach who came, saw, and learned — and left Orlando Pirates a stronger, more resilient team.