Orlando Pirates fans might never have met current head coach Jose Riveiro—if timing had worked out differently for another Spaniard, Pablo Franco Martin.
The former AmaZulu boss recently revealed that Pirates once showed serious interest in bringing him on board while he was still managing Tanzanian powerhouse Simba SC.
“Back when I was with Simba, Orlando Pirates did reach out with an offer,” Martin told FARPost. “But it just wasn’t the right moment.”
Martin explained that he’s deeply committed to any club he works with and prefers to see a project through rather than chasing bigger opportunities. “When I take on a job, I respect the people I work with, the fans, and the club as a whole. Even if a better offer comes along, I won’t just walk away.”
Despite not joining the Soweto giants, Martin still holds the Buccaneers in high regard. “Pirates are a massive club. They’re exactly where they should be—lifting trophies and making a strong mark across the continent.”
He praised the club’s vision and structure, giving credit to everyone involved. “Since coming to South Africa, I’ve always said their success is thanks to the players, coaches, and especially the leadership for sticking to the vision—even when times were tough. That’s why they’re reaping the rewards now.”
Currently, Martin is managing Al-Faisaly in Saudi Arabia, but it’s clear that his respect for Pirates—and what could have been—still lingers.
