Personal legacy takes a back seat, says Jose Riveiro ahead of Nedbank Cup against Kaizer Chiefs

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is not entertaining any talk of personal glory as his side prepares to face Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

The Spaniard, who joined Pirates in 2022, has led the Soweto giants to five trophies in less than three years – three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups – and could add a sixth this weekend. 

A win would also make it three Nedbank Cup titles in a row under his leadership, an unprecedented feat in South African football.

However, Riveiro has made it clear that the focus is not on individual achievements.

“Yes, we want to win it once again, but not because of Riveiro,” he said.

“There is nothing more special with this one than there was with the other ones before.”

For the 49-year-old mentor, it’s not about statistics or personal milestones, but rather about delivering for the badge and the club’s supporters.

“It’s never about Riveiro or winning records,” he added.

“It’s an important game for Orlando Pirates and it’s an important game for the fans, and our responsibility is to try our best at all times.”

Pirates are coming into the final with momentum, having beaten Chiefs 2-1 in their recent league encounter. 

Riveiro believes that while it helps to have won that clash, cup finals come with different pressure and require a focused mindset.

“It is an honour to be representing Pirates in a final once again,” he said.

“Since the first time we did it, we were lucky enough to find ourselves regularly in almost each and every final since we’ve started, so it’s something to celebrate one more time.”

But as much as Pirates have built a reputation as a dominant cup side under his guidance, Riveiro remains grounded.

“I’m not an emotional person that’s thinking about what’s going to happen after the match,” he said.

“I’m fully focusing on making my team play better than Chiefs on Saturday, and that’s it.”

The coach emphasised the importance of preparation and tactical discipline, especially in a game of this magnitude.

“Once you’re there, it’s about ticking all the boxes,” he said.

“Not playing the occasion, but focusing on the game-plan that can help beat Chiefs.”

He also warned against underestimating Chiefs, who are hungry to end a long trophy drought.

“We also have to focus on the things they can use to beat us,” Riveiro said.

“So, we have to play good and try to make Chiefs play bad. We’ve done it several times already, and we want to make sure we do it again.”

While all eyes may be on the potential crowning of Riveiro’s legacy, the man himself is focused only on getting the job done – for the club, the team, and the fans.