Orlando Pirates has showered coach Jose Riveiro with praise for his remarkable success, achieved while separated from his family.

Pirates penned a tribute to Riveiro on their website, acknowledging his journey from an unknown coach to a successful leader.

Riveiro has defied expectations, leading Pirates to three MTN8 trophies, which the other he added over the weekend, along with two Nedbank Cup titles, and two second-place finishes in the Betway Premiership. They are occupying the same spot at the moment having won all three league matches.  

They’ve also qualified for the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time since 2018/19.

“What many don’t know, for two long years, Riveiro has been separated from his wife and young daughter, enduring the isolation of distance while shouldering the weight of leading a football giant like Orlando Pirates,” said Pirates in a statement.  

“The mental toll of working away from family, compounded by the unrelenting demands of top-level coaching, would have broken many. Yet Riveiro has persevered, driven by a profound sense of duty to the club and its supporters. 

“In the face of adversity, Riveiro has remained the epitome of selflessness. His commitment to this institution and its success has never wavered, even at the expense of his own personal well-being.”

During a FIFA break, Riveiro will finally reunite with his family after a long absence.

“Now, with the FIFA break offering a temporary respite, Riveiro finally has the chance to reconnect with his family – a long-overdue reunion for a man who has given so much of himself for the greater good,” statement added.  

The Stellenbosch victory saw Riveiro secure a 58th wins, 17 draws, and 20 losses in 95 matches, giving him a win ratio of 60%.  

Pirates said this ranks him second (alongside Mike Makaab) only to Julio Leal, who achieved a 64%-win ratio, albeit from just 28 matches. 

Top 3 Coaches by Win Ratio: 

Julio Leal: 64% 

Jose Riveiro: 60% / Mike Makaab: 60% 

Ted Dumitru: 54% 

Total Wins: 

With 58 wins, Riveiro ranks second in total victories, behind only Ruud Krol, who managed 65 wins in 125 matches between 2008 and 2011. 

Top 3 Coaches by Total Wins: 

Ruud Krol: 65 

Jose Riveiro: 58 

Mike Makaab: 41