Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro says coaching a national team is not currently part of his plans, despite his recent success leading the All-Stars team to victory in the Carling Cup.

But he left a room open by saying “Who knows what the future might hold for me”

Riveiro guided a squad comprised of players from Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Pirates to their second consecutive Carling Cup triumph at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. Two Chiefs players, Naledi Hlongwane (with a brace) and Samkelo Zwane, found the net in the first half, overwhelming Magesi FC and leading to the departure of their coach, Clinton Larsen.  

Given this experience of managing players from different clubs, Riveiro was asked if he envisions himself coaching a national team in the future.

While perhaps an unusual question at this stage, Riveiro has enjoyed considerable success with Pirates since his arrival in June 2022, securing five trophies. However, his contract with the club is set to expire at the end of the season.  

“Bafana?” he inquired, eliciting laughter from the media as some answered yes and others no.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos’s contract is currently valid until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, this timeline may be subject to change if he fails to qualify Bafana for the tournament.

“You never know,” Riveiro added. “Obviously, my focus is one hundred percent on the responsibility that I have and trust me I have enough with Pirates. 

“Usually, the national team job used to be for coaches with more experienced, with more kilometres in this job. But it is also changing right now as we see some young coaches, coaching right now in the top national team around the world. 

“Who knows? I like coaching and right now I like to do what I’m doing at Orlando Pirates to do my best. When I’m invited to do the same in this space [coaching the All-Stars], I don’t think so much about what is going to happen in the future.”  

This marked the second Carling Cup title for Riveiro with the select team, having been voted by fans to lead the side to victory over Stellenbosch last season.