Orlando Pirates’ head coach, Jose Riveiro, is in a celebratory mood as he approaches a significant milestone with the team.

This Tuesday night, as the Pirates take on Richards Bay FC in the Betway Premiership, Riveiro will lead his squad in his 100th competitive match at Orlando Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30.

From Underdog to Celebrated Coach

Reflecting on his journey, it’s remarkable to think back to when Riveiro first joined Pirates two-and-a-half years ago.

At that time, he was relatively unknown in the South African football scene.

Opinions about his hiring were mixed—some fans were skeptical, while others were eager to see how he would perform at such a prestigious club.

Celebrating 100 Matches

Now, as he prepares for this milestone match, Riveiro has made a name for himself, becoming only the second coach in the club’s history to reach 100 competitive matches, following in the footsteps of Ruud Krol.

His record so far is impressive: out of 99 matches, he has led the team to 60 victories, with 20 draws and only 19 losses.

Trophy Success and Future Aspirations

Under Riveiro’s leadership, the Pirates have secured five major trophies, including three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cup victories.

However, the one accolade that still eludes him—and what many fans are eagerly anticipating—is the league title.

In his tenure, Pirates finished as runners-up to Mamelodi Sundowns twice, but this season, they are looking like serious contenders, currently topping the league standings with 18 points from their first six games.

Looking Ahead

In addition to their domestic success, Pirates are also making strides in international competitions, having reached the group stage of the CAF Champions League—something they were unable to achieve last season.

With Riveiro’s contract set to expire in June 2025, fans are hopeful for a continuation of his successful tenure, eager to see what the future holds for him and the team as they aim for even greater achievements.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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