Riveiro says life ‘won’t be the same’ when he leaves Pirates

Jose Riveiro has admitted that his life will never be the same again when he leaves Orlando Pirates.

Last Thursday, Pirates confirmed that Riveiro will leave the club at the end of the season following the expiry of his three-year contract.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Ugly scenes erupt in Orlando after Pirates v Alger game

The 49-year-old has done well since joining the Buccaneers in 2022, winning five trophies and finishing second behind Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership for the last two seasons.

The Spaniard is still in the running for the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Champions League titles, where the Buccaneers are in the semifinals of both competitions.

 Riveiro’s success at the Buccaneers has made him a darling of the club’s faithful and admiration from rival fans and critics.

Speaking after his side’s 0-0 draw against MC Alger at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening that saw Pirates qualifying for the CAF Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2013, Riveiro confessed that his life will never be the same again when he leaves the Buccaneers.

“My life will never be the same after being here as a Pirates coach. What else can I tell you? It’s a big change in my life,” said Riveiro.

“I’m not talking about football. I’m not talking about games. But I’m talking about all of those things that you say in the way that the people are expressing themselves towards me. It’s something special.”

Riveiro pays tribute to Pirates fans

Riveiro also paid tribute to the Pirates fans for showing him love during his stay at the club.

“If we speak about the fans, not about you (the media), they were always really friendly and kind, especially with the coach. But like I said before, that everywhere I go, my life will never be the same after being a Pirates coach because this is not just another club. It’s a very special one,” commented Riveiro.

ALSO READ: Pirates join Sundowns in semifinals of CAF Champions League

Riveiro will be looking to lead Pirates to the final of the Nedbank Cup this coming Sunday when they take on Marumo Gallants at the Orlando Stadium (kick-off is at 3pm).