Jose Riveiro has revealed the unique encounters he’s had with Orlando Pirates fans in the streets and malls since arriving in the country.
The Pirates boss has led the club to first place in the league after six games with 11 points, albeit having played a game more than second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns.
And while things may be rosy for now ahead of their MTN8 opener against Royal AM, the Buccaneers boss has quickly realised how big the club actually is in South Africa.
“I’ve been here seven or eight weeks, my life is about games and training, not more than this but it’s easy to understand the club is… the fans own the club in a way,” Riveiro said.
“When you speak with them, it seems like you’re talking with your boss in a way because they demand, they are happy or they are sad and they will tell you. So we have quite curious discussions in the street sometimes or in the supermarket.”
He continued: “But I respect them a lot, they respect me. And I will always have time to answer their questions. So far so good – the relationship with them, but of course, it’s a special club.
“Myself and the guys who joined here, Sergio [Almenara] and Michel [Beliver] – the new ones in the club and country [realised] we’re in a very big club and special club because of the fans basically.”
The Soweto giants take on Thwihli Thwahla for their MTN9 opener on Saturday afternoon at Chatsworth Stadium (18h00).
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