Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has reacted to re-writing the club’s history after winning seven consecutive league matches at the start of a PSL campaign, breaking a record of six matches set in the 2002/03 season. 

The Soweto giants have enjoyed a flawless start to the 2024/25 term, becoming the only unbeaten team so far in the Betway Premiership as they’ve set their sights on winning the league title for the first time since the 2011/12 season.

Riveiro, who was in charge of his 100th match in Pirates’ 1-0 home victory over Richards Bay on Tuesday night, says setting a new club record is more significant than his milestone as it shows the team’s tenacity. 

“That’s even more important than the 100 games in my opinion, the fact that the boys managed to break one record says a lot about how difficult it is to win consistently, to win one game after the other until getting to seven matches, ” said the Bucs coach. 

Though pleased with raising the club’s standards, Riveiro insists their aim for the remainder of the season is to keep winning, but not because they are eager to set a new PSL record of multiple victories on the trot at the beginning of a campaign. 

“Now it’s in our hands to keep winning, not because we want to establish a new record or more difficult one, but it’s in our hands to continue winning and that’s the aim. For me, the record is just a sign to show how difficult it is if it’s achieved for the first time, so I’m happy for the club, ” he said. 

The Spanish mentor went on to reveal that he expected to reach a century of games at the helm, securing 61 wins, 20 draws, and losing 19 encounters since his appointment in June 2022, while also surpassing Ruud Krol (60) with the number of wins. 

“Yes [I expected to achieve 100 matches in charge], we started this project two years and four months ago on a three-year contract, you start a project – you want to finish the project, obviously not counting how many games you’re going to be in charge, ” Riveiro stated. 

“You come to do your best, it’s a privilege and honor to get this opportunity, to be where I am, to represent a club like Orlando Pirates in the position of head coach, I’m a very fortunate person to have that honor.”  

The 49-year-old tactician attributes the achievement to his charges’ performances which saw them clinch five domestic trophies in addition to back-to-back runners-up finishes behind Mamelodi Sundowns in the league. 

“The number of games is related to our performance, with the fact that we have an excellent team. This season, one season ago, two seasons ago, we managed to always compete, probably if you go through those 100 games, I think you will find more good moments than bad moments, ” the Pirates coach noted. 

The Buccaneers, at the summit of the table, will be back in action with a home clash against Stellenbosch FC on 30 November, four days after their CAF Champions League outing away to Algerian giants CR Belouizdad.