Riveiro remains calm despite MTN8 three-peat

The Orlando Pirates coach walked into the venue with a championship walk, taking his seat with so much calm and confidence.

The gathering media all wanted a bit of him with congratulatory messages, having achieved the improbable by winning three MTN8 cups in succession.

He responded with kindness – as always – and even made time for his people on his phone as he spent some time going through his mobile before taking questions.

The Spaniard didn’t seem to be shaken with anything this time. As such, he had changed the lucky cream-white puffy jacket he had worn for the game to a navy casual jacket for the presser.

Riveiro’s special jacket could have either been filled with confetti, champagne or the tears he stopped from running down his face when his team cemented their win.

Pirates beat Stellenbosch 3-1 in the MTN8 final in Mabhida, and Riveiro cemented a legendary status, becoming the first team to win the MTN8 for three times in a row.

Riveiro shut up his detractors with that result, having initially been ridiculed when he arrived at the club due to his underwhelming resume.

And so, when substitute Relebohile Mofokeng scored the winner in stoppage time, Riveiro knelt and covered his eyes, needing to be consoled by his technical team.

The 49-year-old refused to make anything about him though. Even his coolness personified figure at the pressure didn’t belong to him, but all that the team has achieved.

“I was not emotional,” Riveiro said. “I have my moments. I am a human. We are trying and taking everything very seriously.

“We want to fight for the league and rise to that level. We want to increase the competition of the league as well. But it’s not about talking only.

“It’s something that we need to show week in and week out – wherever we go, or who comes to Orlando. So far, it’s something that we’ve managed to do so far.

Riveiro added: “If you have a look, I think you’ll agree with me that September was demanding. Maybe that’s why I'm not emotional, but maybe a little bit tired.”

The Betway Premiership remains the most elusive piece of silverware from Riveiro’s cabinet since he joined the club in 2022. He also missed out on the Carling Knockout Cup.

Riveiro and his team seem to be hellbent on making up for lost time that, indeed, they had a busy month in September, playing 10 games across all competitions.

The Bucs’ only blemish was in the MTN8 and CAF Champions League – albeit winning the competition and reaching the group stage respectively – as they drew matches there.

They won all their three games in the Betway Premiership, beating Chippa United, Polokwane City and Richards Bay respectively.

Pirates’ form has been a collective effort, including goalkeeper Sipho Chaine playing all games and conceding only three goals.

But there’ve been individuals who seem to be raising up their hand whenever they are called upon - particularly Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Monnapule Saleng.

The latter passed a late match-fitness test for the clash against Stellies, but eyebrows were raised when Mofokeng and Mabasa didn’t start the match.

The duo proved to be trump cards as they scored the second and third goal respectively, adding to Saleng’s goal which had cancelled out Lehlohonolo Mojela’s opener.

“No (I was not worried we’d lose). That’s why they didn’t play. I don’t think the way to describe this game would be talking about names or individuals,” Riveiro said.

“I think we must respect the 11 that started the game. They did a fantastic job. We got into the final with the co-operation of a lot of players.

“We need everyone … who was more important today? The players who started or Rele, Mabasa finishing the game in 30 minutes?”