Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro says winning the Soweto Derby is important but it’s not something he can add onto his CV like title wins.
The Spaniard was asked whether the feeling of winning the derby, which he achieved as 2023/24 league double this season – the first for Pirates in 15 years, is as sweet as he trophy triumphs at the club.
Since Riveiro’s appointment, they have scooped two MTN8 titles and the Nedbank Cup but have struggled to contest Mamelodi Sundowns for league honours thus far.
Last season, Chiefs did the league double over Pirates and while the Spaniard admits their feat is sweet – titles will always hold more value for players and coaches.
“I think both are important, I don’t like to [choose], I mean one title is one title, it’s going in our cabinet, it’s part of the history of the club, but I think the derbies as well, are part of the history of the club, and for our fans, it’s much more than just one game,” Riveiro said.
“If you asked me as a professional coach, in my CV, there’s the trophies, I can’t put in my CV that I won the derby, two, three or four times – you understand? But sitting right now as a Buccaneer, I’m proud of what the guys did in the Soweto Derby and it’s going to be part of the club’s history, so both [titles] and winning the derby is very nice.”
Pirates next assignment is the last-16 Nedbank Cup tie against Hungry Lions at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday (18h00).
