Esperance Sportive de Tunis reportedly had Jose Riveiro, the head coach of Orlando Pirates, on their radar before they ultimately appointed Romanian coach Laurențiu Reghecampf in early November. The highly experienced Reghecampf, who has enjoyed notable success in Europe with Steaua București and in the Gulf with Al Hilal and Al Wehda, took over the reins at the Tunisian giants on November 5, replacing Miguel Cardoso.
However, sources close to the club have confirmed to iDiski Times that Riveiro was one of the names considered for the role. It is understood that his representatives were contacted by the club, but they made it clear that Riveiro had no intention of leaving Orlando Pirates to take up the challenge at Esperance. Riveiro’s commitment to his current project at Pirates, which is currently flourishing, made him uninterested in making the switch to the North African club.
At the time of the inquiry, Orlando Pirates were enjoying a strong run in both domestic and continental football. They are currently leading the Betway Premiership standings, having recorded an impressive seven wins from their seven matches. On top of that, the club is still competing in the CAF Champions League group stages, and Riveiro’s work in guiding the team to such success has solidified his standing within the club. With his project at Pirates continuing to show great promise, it comes as no surprise that Riveiro would rebuff interest from Esperance, a club known for its ambition but also facing the pressure of high expectations.
Riveiro, now in his third season at the helm of Orlando Pirates, has already amassed an impressive trophy haul, further cementing his place in the club’s history. Under his leadership, the Buccaneers have won five trophies, including three consecutive MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cup victories, showcasing his ability to lead the team to silverware. Riveiro’s success has been a testament to his tactical nous and his capacity to develop the squad, which is why he is seen as a valuable asset to Pirates.
The decision to remain at Orlando Pirates also highlights Riveiro’s long-term vision for the club. Having revitalized the team since his arrival, he is in the midst of building something special at the club, one that appears to be heading towards even greater success. His refusal to entertain a move to Esperance could be seen as a sign of his loyalty to his current project and his desire to continue growing Pirates’ reputation on both the domestic and continental stages.
The news of Esperance’s interest in Riveiro sheds light on his rising stock as a coach, especially in the context of his current success with Pirates. While Reghecampf may now be the one steering the ship at Esperance, Riveiro’s refusal to move suggests that his focus remains firmly on his work at Orlando Pirates, where he looks set to continue building on the foundations he has laid. With Pirates looking to secure more silverware this season, the club and its fans will be hoping that Riveiro’s commitment to the team remains steadfast as he continues his journey with the Buccaneers.
