Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates dropped something of a bombshell with the appointment of little-known José Riveiro as head coach. Photo: SABC Sport

Benni McCarthy MISSES out as Orlando Pirates name little-known Spaniard as coach

Orlando Pirates on Saturday dropped something of a bombshell with the appointment of little-known José Riveiro as head coach.

Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates dropped something of a bombshell with the appointment of little-known José Riveiro as head coach. Photo: SABC Sport

Orlando Pirates on Saturday shocked with the appointment of little-known José Riveiro as head coach.

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Spaniard Riveiro joins Pirates on a three-year deal.

In a statement, Riveiro said he is delighted to join the club and says he is looking forward to the challenge ahead.

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“First of all, I would like to send a greeting to all the fans of Orlando Pirates. I am delighted to have joined the club. The Pirates project is an exciting one and I look forward to what lies ahead. It is an honour for me and my colleagues to have the responsibility to coach such an institution and compete for the highest goals.”

A modern, progressive coach with exciting, attacking football as his philosophy, the 46-year-old, will join the squad for pre-season once all his relevant documents are processed.

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Riveiro is under no illusion of the high expectation that comes with the job especially in the season the club will be marking its 85th anniversary.

“Along with my support team, we are looking forward to arriving and joining the task force and the group of players to start working immediately.”

“We are going to work to make history together and build a team that we are all proud of.”

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Riveiro’s last stint as a coach was at Finland side FC Inter Turku where he led the Black and Blues from 2019 to 2021.

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The newly appointed coach will be assisted by Sergio Almenara and Mandla Ncikazi, Miguel Bellver Esteve as fitness trainer and Tyron Damons as goalkeeper coach.

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Riveiro’s appointment means there will be no popular return for Benni McCarthy to the club.

Nor Gavin Hunt for that matter or Pitso Mosimane or Cavin Johnson – or any other familiar face to Buccaneers supporters.

Have Orlando Pirates made a smart decision?

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