Having returned to SA for the promotional work of the Carling Knockout All-Stars match, former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has stuck to his guns that he will never coach another team in the country.After leaving the Buccaneers towards the end of last season, the Spaniard went on to join Egyptian Giants Al Ahly, but things didn’t work out and he parted ways with the team early in the campaign.Watching from afar as a spectator, Riveiro is impressed with the progress Pirates have made under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and he hopes they can win both the Carling Knockout [December 6 final against Marumo Gallants] How does it feel to be back in the country? Riveiro: It feels amazing and good to have the opportunity to contribute towards the success of this important event and tournament. Sowetan : Coach, welcome home. How’s the feeling of being back in the country?Riveiro: It feels so good and amazing to have the opportunity to be back in a way that I can contribute to the success of the important event and important tournament [Carling All Stars].Sowetan: You’ve been in this tournament twice now. What are some of the memories you have during the participation and leading the Carling All Stars team?Riveiro: Unique experience, the opportunity to spend time with coaches and with players that you don’t have the opportunity in your normal days, regular clubs and responsibility as well, because at the end of the day, it is people who are selecting you to be there, so you have to take it seriously.Sowetan: What have you been up to since you left Al Ahly?.Riveiro: Nothing much [and] I would like to take the time to reflect upon my experiences in Ahly and Pirates. It’s been a very busy time for me, since 2022. I didn’t have much time to sit down and think about new things, or to look at areas where I could improve. To improve my coaching staff, and to make sure I’m even better prepared the next time. Many teams are doing well. Earlier, it was very difficult to keep up the rhythm. [Mamelodi] Sundowns put in the league. It seems that this season is a bit different. A few clubs are taking advantage of the situation. Pirates, I believe, is one. They have consistently delivered strong performances in recent times. [Kaizer] Chiefs are doing better than last season and we were a little bit surprised with the performance of Sekhukhune United in the first month.Sowetan: How do you see Pirates’ chances of winning the Carling this season, especially since they didn’t go far in this competition during your stay?Riveiro: This is an opportunity to improve the history of the club, and looking at the way they are playing this season, I’m sure they are going to offer a good final. Marumo will have a tough time. [Gallants] Everybody knows it’s going to be tough for Pirates to win the final. But at the same time, Pirates must also understand that Marumo is going to give a good fight, I’m sure about that. It is going to be a good final and I’m looking forward to it.Sowetan: Do you regret the decision to leave Pirates last season?Riveiro: No. We can only move forward. I don’t look back on the decisions I make in my life. I’ve already said that my decision to leave Pirates had nothing to do with Al Ahly, or any other club. My contract ended in December 2024, but the Ahly issue came a bit later. Decisions like these are made throughout our careers.
2025-11-21 06:05:51
The Quick Interview | Riveiro appreciates free time for new things
