COMMENT BY SMISO MSOMI
Soweto giants Orlando Pirates currently own and will dominate domestic football discussions at least for the next couple of weeks following historic cup success at the weekend.
The Sea Robbers notched up a third MTN8 title in a row last weekend, becoming the first-ever club to achieve that feat in the domestic game.
As the captain of the ship, Spanish-born Jose Riveiro has just stuck his flag in the rich sands of Buccaneer history as he captured his fifth trophy in the two years and three months with the club.
His latest feat also meant he became just the second coach to lift the MTN8 three times, joining Pirates legend Stanley ‘Screamer’ Tshabalala, who won the tournament with both Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
The 49-year-old kicked off this campaign being just the second mentor to start a third season with Pirates in the PSL era, with Netherlands-born Ruud Krol the other man to achieve this.
Many coaches have made their marks in the memories and the trophy cabinet of Pirates in the past, and will forever be etched in the club’s history.
However, Riveiro’s trophy haul has raised discussions around his ranking among some of the most successful tacticians to take charge of the technical team.
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While names like Augusto Palacios, Kosta Papic and Roger de Sa receive honourable mentions in such discussions, comparisons to Riveiro are closely linked to silverware...
Ronald Mkandawire
The Zambian-born player turned coach remains an adored name in Pirates folklore, having taken over the reins during a turbulent time in 1995.
Mkandawire led the club to their only CAF Champions League title as he took over in the second leg of the final. Although he was never a mainstay, he was a reliable stop-gap whenever called upon on a caretaker basis.
Ruud Krol
Krol will not only be remembered for his famous pink shirt, but also as the last permanent appointment to guide the club to the league title, having won the first of back-to-back trebles between 2011 and 2013.
He also went on to lift the Nedbank Cup and the MTN8 in his final season, and set future standards for the likes of Riveiro to follow.
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Depending on one’s measurement of difficult feats – whether by several trophies or significant titles won – this discussion may place Riveiro on certain pedestals.
While it may be premature to label Riveiro as the greatest coach in Orlando Pirates history, his contributions and successes thus far have undoubtedly placed him in the conversation.
As he continues to develop the squad and pursue trophies, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely.
If he can maintain the momentum and deliver sustained success, Riveiro might just secure his place as one of the club’s all-time greats.