New Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has spoken for the first time in public since he was announced as new coach, addressing his playing style and targets for the 2022/23 season.
The 44-year-old has been quiet since he was unveiled as new Pirates head coach, replacing the co-coaching duo of Fadlu Davids and Mandla Ncikazi, with the latter staying on as part of Riveiro’s technical team.
Riveiro is a relatively unknown name in the local game and he introduced himself to the public during SuperSport TV’s launch ahead of the 2022/23 DStv Premiership campaign.
“I’m a coach, I’ve been a coach for a long time. I spent my last seven years in Finland, in many different clubs,” he said.
“I’m coming from Celta de Vigo academy, helping young talents to grow and become professional football players.
“Now [I’m] facing this chance here in South Africa, and am very excited to be here.”
Riveiro was also asked about his playing style and whether fans can expect ‘tiki-taka’ at Orlando Stadium this season.
“We must offer a good show every time we play, it doesn’t mean we have to play tiki-taka. We have to be brave, we have to be a proactive team and looking for a good result every single week, every single chance we have,” he added.
“We’re playing for the fans, we’ll have the fans back in the stadium. It’s one of our advantages, one of our strengths. Our commitment comes with our performances.
“We understand what we are, we understand what we represent as a coaching stuff and a football squad. So I’m really looking forward to show it.”
When asked for his targets this season, Riveiro indicated that Pirates are looking to lift the title.
“We know what we represent, we are playing for a huge brand in the country. So we have to look for the maximum and that’s our goal,” he concluded.
