Jose Riveiro aims to lead Orlando Pirates to a record sixth Soweto Derby win against Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final at FNB Stadium

As the countdown begins to one of South Africa’s biggest football rivalries, all eyes are on Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro, who could sign off in spectacular fashion this weekend.

The Spaniard, who’s set to leave the Buccaneers at the end of the season, has a chance to notch his sixth Soweto Derby win when his side faces Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday afternoon.

A Chance to Surpass Stuart Baxter’s Derby Legacy

If Pirates manage to beat Chiefs, Riveiro won’t just lift another trophy—he’ll surpass Stuart Baxter’s record of five Soweto Derby victories.

Baxter, who had two spells at Kaizer Chiefs, saw the most success between 2012 and 2015, when he led Amakhosi to an impressive two domestic doubles.

Now, Riveiro stands at a pivotal point in his career, poised to rewrite derby history just before he parts ways with the club.

The Spaniard’s Impact Since Arriving at Pirates

Since taking the reins at Orlando Pirates in 2023, Riveiro has transformed the team into silverware contenders. In just a short space of time, he’s already helped the Buccaneers win five trophies, including his current five-match winning streak in Soweto Derbies.

That kind of consistency has earned him the respect of fans and rivals alike.

But the next match won’t be a walk in the park.

Kaizer Chiefs are desperate—they haven’t lifted a major trophy in ten years, and they’ll be giving it everything they’ve got to change that.

Reflecting on His Derby Run

After securing his fifth straight derby win, Riveiro took a moment to reflect on how far things have come since his early days at the club.

Speaking to FARPost, he recalled the moment he was teased for being the first Spanish coach to lose at FNB Stadium.

“Now here we are with five wins,” he said, smiling.

“It feels good, but there’s still one more game to play.

And I’m hoping we get that sixth win—not for me, but for the team. That’s what really matters.”

One Last Shot Before the Curtain Falls

Back in March, Riveiro confirmed he’d be stepping down as head coach at the end of the season.

That makes this weekend’s clash even more meaningful—it’s not just another Soweto Derby, it’s potentially his last big statement before the final whistle on his Pirates journey.

So the question now is: Can Jose Riveiro wrap up his tenure with a perfect six-for-six record in South Africa’s fiercest football battle?