In his latest column for Hollywoodbets Sports, George Maluleka likens Jose Riveiro’s shock Orlando Pirates announcement to his namesake’s tearful departure from Inter Milan, while praising his revolution of the Buccaneers.
I'm still in shock at the news of Jose Riveiro's imminent departure...
After a very, very long time, Pirates have re-emerged to dominate cup football under the coach. Even during my days at AmaZulu, facing Orlando Pirates was a nightmare, especially at home.
They would dominate you from the first minute, and Riveiro has done wonders. I don’t know how he did it and what exactly he did, but Pirates didn’t overhaul their squad when he arrived.
So he came in and was still able to work with that particular team he inherited, and he managed to win trophies and get positive results.
This season was by far one of the best he’s had. I think the Buccaneers started with seven wins from seven matches. It was also a historic moment for the club to do that.
Even with the way they play, they’re just in a different space, at a different level.
Even with their CAF Champions League exploits, they eased past the group stages and are now in the knockout stages and are looking good.
Pirates also recently just won away from home against MC Alger of Algeria, which is another difficult task to achieve. He’s brought so much stability to the team. This is going to be a huge blow.
I can only imagine how the players are feeling. I’ve been thinking of Jose Mourinho and how so many players, if not most, shed a tear when he left Inter Milan.
Especially how defender Marco Materazzi broke down in tears at the Portuguese tactician’s exit from treble champions Inter.
This is also sudden, so I’m really not sure why, but I just know that this is going to leave a very deep scar on the Orlando Pirates team and players.
Take nothing away from coach Riveiro. He’s done so well, and I really commend him. He’s a top coach, a quality coach and he’s proven it. He’s shown it. He’s won multiple trophies at Orlando Pirates.
It was also a while before he came that Pirates last lifted trophies consistently.
For the league, I think it’s safe to say now that Sundowns would really feel they’ve taken it.
I mean, they already have one hand on the trophy. But I think with this devastating news for the Buccaneers, Sundowns have been awarded a mental victory.
For Pirates, I think it’s going to be extremely difficult to find a coach to replace coach Jose. But they have a very good and strong technical team with Mandla Ncikazi, who is a quality coach, who I rate very, very highly.
This will also definitely impact SA football, I think negatively, because a lot of coaches were starting to follow Jose, even with how Pirates are playing. Many were taking notes, myself included. I think, especially this season, I've enjoyed seeing Pirates play football.
He’s been able to bring a lot of players out of their shells like Relebohile Mofokeng, Monnapule Saleng and Tshegofatso Mabasa. Even the goalkeeper, Sipho Chaine.
I’m at a loss for words, but I am really thankful for all that he has done, the football that he’s brought. I think a lot of people will not touch on it, but if you look at Pirates’ mental state, they are very strong mentally.
He’s brought a lot of that, which I think is something that we lack in our country. And if you look at most of your teams abroad, your mentality is everything.
He is also brave.
If you look at Pirates, 60% of the team are from the development ranks, who recently were promoted.
He gave them their debuts, and they’ve thrived under his guidance and shrewd management. So it just proves that he’s no ordinary coach and he has done an outstanding job at Orlando Pirates, especially for the next generation.
Pirates are in good hands.
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