Mofokeng Wants Riveiro To Stay At Pirates

Orlando Pirates rising star Relebohile Mofokeng says he wants to see coach Jose Riveiro remain with the club after leading them to the third consecutive MTN8 victory at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Riveiro became the first coach to win the MTN8 three times in a row for the Soweto Giants. He has matched the late former Pirates coach Stanley Screamer Tshabalala, who won this competition three times but not consecutively and with different clubs. Tshabalala won it in 1978 with Pirates, and twice with Mamelodi Sundowns in 1988 and 1990.
Riveiro, who took charge of the Buccaneers in June 2022, is set to see his contract expire at the end of this season.
The Spaniard has guided the team to an extraordinary run, reaching five cup finals and winning all of them, a record-setting feat in South African football.
Following the MTN8 triumph, Mofokeng spoke highly of the relationship he has with his coach and his hopes for a contract extension.
“The only important thing is we work and get along well together, so, I’ll be happy he stayed for an extended time. Staying with him is a good thing, he helps us with a lot of things. I’d love to stay with him for another season,” said Mofokeng.
The young forward, who came on the bench, assisted Tshegofatso Mabasa’s second goal when he took the set piece quickly when Stellenbosch FC were slow to react, before scoring the second to seal the win for the Pirates after he left Athenkosi Mcaba and Sage Stephens on the floor.
Pirates have now won the MTN8 13 times, two behind Kaizer Chiefs, who last won this cup in 2014.
Mofokeng was quick to credit his teammates for laying the groundwork.
“I feel like when I come on, I work for the team like the starters do. We all worked,” he said.
“Those who started are the ones who exhausted Stellenbosch so I can come in when things are much simpler.
“So, I come on to work, it’s not like they trust me off the bench because I have been starting other games, scoring, and assisting.
“But even from the bench, you have to be ready. And I want to thank my teammates for helping me score, Tshego (Tshegofatso Mabasa) is the one who assisted me,” he added.
Riveiro has now led Pirates to three consecutive MTN8 titles, further cementing his legacy with the club. If trophies are anything to go by, many believe extending his stay is a strong possibility—especially with Mofokeng openly backing him for another season and enjoying his football having been given the chance by the Spanish mentor.