Jose Riveiro's poignant moment after Soweto derby win as Orlando Pirates departure sinks in

Having played every three or four days over the last month probably hasn’t given Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro time to reflect on his tenure ahead of his departure at the end of the season.

Pirates have been busy on all fronts, chasing a league title and involved in continental and local cup competitions. So there hasn’t been time to sit back savour some of the incredible memories he has made with the Buccaneers.

But on Saturday, following his record-equaling fifth Soweto derby win over bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs, he took a little moment on the pitch to look around the amphitheater that is the FNB Stadium. He seemed like he was taking it all in, taking a second just to enjoy it all.

If him leaving Orlando Pirates at the end of the season hasn’t really sunk in yet, it certainly started on the pitch where he brought so much joy to the Ghosts since 2022.

He is definitely going to miss this fixture. He looked visibly emotional when asked about his last-ever Soweto derby in the league. Of course, there is still one to come next weekend in the Nedbank Cup final, but the pause ahead him answering the question was telling.

“This is something unique. Wherever I go, it’s going to be difficult to experience something like this. It’s a proper football party and hopefully I have the opportunity to play more derbies,” Riveiro told SuperSport TV after the match.

“This one is unique. The fans watching the game together, no problems. Celebrating what these clubs are, the proper history of South African football.

“It’s something that we need to project forever. I always try to explain to people on the other side of the world what it means to play this game. They don’t understand it, because you have to experience it. Hopefully more people will come because it’s a proper show.”

In three remarkable seasons, Riveiro has demonstrated exceptional tactical acumen and leadership in guiding the team to five major trophies — three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups.

His 60% win ratio reflects his ability to deliver results, with only the mighty Mamelodi Sundowns denying him league glory. And it seems likely that they are going to deny Pirates this season as well.

But one of the standout things that Riveiro has done is to develop some of the country’s finest young talents, including the Saturday’s match-winner Relebohile Mofokeng, who has a bright future ahead of him in the game.

“Rele (Mofokeng) put smiles on all our faces, on the faces of the Buccaneers since he started playing for us. The other boys are getting inspiration from him as well.

“We finished the game with six youngsters on the field that speaks volumes about the vision of the club and where Pirates are going.”

@JohnGoliath82