Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro reflected on the criticism he faced when he first arrived at the club, particularly being called a “plumber” by some fans.
The 49-year-old Spaniard, who joined the Buccaneers in 2023, has since guided the team to five trophies. However, he has confirmed that he will leave at the end of his current contract.
In a conversation with Thomas Mlambo, Riveiro shared that the Pirates’ management had warned him that some fans might not be happy with his appointment. “I was aware of the ‘plumber’ label. The club management explained to me that once I was announced as the coach, this might happen. I understood it well. It’s normal, especially since I wasn’t coming from a big Premier League team,” he explained.
Riveiro understood the skepticism, acknowledging that his lack of experience with top clubs may have fueled the criticism. However, he emphasized his commitment to the team. “If their doubt was about my professionalism, they can be reassured. I am fully dedicated to my job,” he said.
As he prepares to leave Pirates, Riveiro remained confident, stating, “Football will speak for us. What we achieve will speak for us. We are here to entertain the fans, and if they call us plumbers, that’s fine with me.”
