Orlando Pirates coach José Riveiro has dismissed the notion that he’s a “cup specialist” coach, following his team’s qualification for yet another MTN8 final. “I’m simply doing my job,” he stated.

Pirates delivered a dominant performance, defeating Cape Town City 2-0 in the second leg semifinal and 3-1 on aggregate at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. This marks their third MTN8 final and third under the Spanish coach, who joined the club in June 2022.

Having won the competition in their previous two finals against AmaZulu and Mamelodi Sundowns, many are anticipating a hat-trick of MTN8 titles for Pirates.

“Trust me, I know myself better than anyone,” Riveiro responded when asked about his reputation as a cup specialist. “I don’t consider myself that, and I’m not particularly special at anything. I’m just trying to understand the club I’m at. I’m not pretending to be something I’m not. I strive to do my job to the best of my ability. Every day, I try to help these players achieve their dreams of playing football at the highest level.

“We have a huge responsibility to our fans to make them happy. We have the opportunity to change lives. Sometimes, we may not realize it, but we carry that responsibility.

“So, this is Orlando Pirates and the show is about Orlando Pirates and the Orlando Pirates players and that is the most important thing.”  

Pirates will now await the winner of the Stellenbosch FC vs. Mamelodi Sundowns in the other semifinal at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday (15:00) to determine their opponent in the MTN8 final.