• Riveiro is in his second season at Pirates
• The Spaniard led them to a PSL runners-up finish last term
• He has failed to guide them to a PSL title again this season

WHAT HAPPENED?

Jose Riveiro guided Orlando Pirates to the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup last season, as well as to a runners-up spot in the Premier Soccer League.

This term he has managed to defend the MTN8 and is still in contention for another Nedbank Cup and the number two position in the league.

Although the PSL title has been elusive for the Spaniard, Patrick Mayo feels Riveiro has performed beyond expectations.

WHAT MAYO SAID

"The arrival of this coach, Jose Riveiro, has completely changed Orlando Pirates," Mayo told KickOff.

"What helped him a lot was to bring back the guys who were not getting game-time. A player who's been starved of game time will always give his best because he is hungry.

"So, I believe the coach is the one who should be given credit here," he added.

"To be honest, I never thought he would do so well at Pirates when he was announced as their new coach.

"Riveiro has proved himself in South Africa. We must also applaud the chairman of the club for not rushing to sack him," he continued.

"I liked what Pirates did by giving him enough chance. Even if he fails, he will take the responsibility. The players are responding so well to Riveiro's tactics because they understand him.

"If they can continue with their good form next season, our league is going to be tough next season," Mayo explained.

"It will no longer be a one-team league like it is at the moment because also, the likes of Stellenbosch FC are becoming very competitive nowadays."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Riveiro is almost assured of finishing this season without the Premier Soccer League title.

The Buccaneers last lifted this piece of silverware in 2012 but clinched the Nedbank Cup twice and the several MTN8 titles has appeased their fans.

That has left all the attention on Chiefs who have not won any trophy since claiming the 2024/15 PSL title.

WHAT NEXT FOR PIRATES?

After beating Cape Town City 2-0 on Wednesday, Pirates shift attention to the Nedbank Cup as they push to finish the season with a double, having already won the MTN8.

They visit Chippa United for a Nedbank Cup semi-final match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.