Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has reacted to equaling a long-standing record of clinching five victories in the famed Soweto derby, a feat previously only achieved by former Kaizer Chiefs mentor Stuart Baxter.

The Spanish tactician guided the Buccaneers to a comeback 2-1 victory against Amakhosi to claim the Soweto bragging rights on Saturday and saw his side complete a league double over their fierce rivals for two consecutive seasons.

Riveiro, who touched down in South Africa in June 2022, lost the first two derbies he oversaw before turning the corner with five wins on the trot. Chiefs’ last victory against Pirates dates back to February 2023, courtesy of an Olisa Ndah own goal at the death.

Reflecting on the milestone, the Bucs mentor says he is hungry for more success in the derby, with the two sides set to lock horns one more time this season. However, while he is keen to set his record, the 49-year-old Celta Vigo native insists he is prioritizing team glory over personal achievements.

“That’s good [to win five derbies], definitely, hopefully [we win more]. There’s still one more to play, now there is a target, obviously not because of my record,” said Riveiro, who is set to leave the Sea Robbers at the end of the season.

“Actually, I think three years ago after my first derby here, the first question was something like ‘Congratulations, you’re the first Spanish coach to lose one game at the FNB [Stadium]’, and we are sitting here now with five victories, so I’m happy with the performance of the players.” 

The two Soweto giants will do battle for silverware in the Nedbank Cup final penciled for Saturday, 10 May at the renowned Moses Mabhida Stadium in a game that promises to be cracking with even higher stakes in both camps.

Having made PSL history by steering Pirates to three MTN8 titles in a row – a feat that was never achieved before, Riveiro will be determined to do the same and lift the Ke Yona Cup for the third successive campaign before bowing out.

On the other hand, Nasreddine Nabi will be fancying himself to be the man to end Chiefs’ decade-long trophy drought after leading the Naturena-based outfit to its first domestic cup final since 2019. It remains to be seen who will etch their name in their respective club’s history.