Orlando Pirates vice-captain Tapelo Xoki says the legacy of head coach Jose Riveiro will speak for itself once he leaves the club at the end of the season.
The Spaniard has enjoyed a whirlwind stint since arriving in South Africa, winning five domestic cups so far and in the sixth place in three years – ahead of his exit upon the expiry of his contract next month.
Xoki, who returns to Durban, where he emerged as one of the leading defenders in the Premier Soccer League with AmaZulu after joining from Old Mutual Academy – says it’s neither about him nor the departing coach for the Nedbank Cup final against Kaizer Chiefs.
“It’s not about me, but the club, as we’re playing a final, it will never be about an individual, we are a collective and everyone is ready to put in a shift to make sure we deliver for our supporters and the club,” Xoki said ahead of the game.
“The last three years have been incredible, any reflection of the coaches’ legacy is for the end of the season, for now, for us, the main focus is the game on Saturday, trying to execute the plans, trying to get the preparations done.
“His legacy will speak for itself at the end of the season, we know what he has done for the club, it’s not for us to speak, everyone can see that but yeah, we have to do our best to add on that legacy of his.”
The two sides meet at the sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium tomorrow at 15h30 for a highly anticipated Soweto Derby showdown.
