Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro says it means a lot to him that the club will keep the MTN8 trophy forever.
Riveiro added that he knows that he will form part of the club’s history forever when it comes to the Wafa Wafa Cup, but credited winning it to the people behind the scenes.
As Pirates won the MTN8 trophy for the fourth time, more than any other side since MTN took over in 2008, the giant sponsor and the PSL decided that they will keep this trophy since they are rightful owners having won it the record time.
The telecommunication company said they will have a newly designed trophy for the first time in the 14-year association with the PSL, starting from next term.
Bucs beat AmaZulu 1-0 thanks to a brilliant free-kick in the first half by Monnapule Saleng at the packed to rafters Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.
Riveiro made his own history with Pirates, becoming the first coach to win this cup in his first season since Julio Leal did so in the 2011/12 season.
“Obviously it is special and I came here four months ago,” reacted Riveiro, when asked how much it means to him that Pirates will now keep the trophy.
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“I’m going to be, whatever happens in my time here at Pirates, part of the history books. But the club will always be special for me. But at the same time I understand what this means for many people who are working in the club behind the plan, behind the badge.
“So I know what it means for them. Every person who is working with us, the staff, almost everyone, they are Pirates fans, you can feel.
“I know our management how important it’s going to be when we deliver this trophy to them as well, so I’m very glad to be part of the small piece of the Pirates history.”
Mamelodi Sundowns, who Pirates succeeded this season with Tshwane giants having also succeeded Pirates last term, were the last team to keep the old one, under the SAA Supa 8 in 2007.
They also won it in Durban when they defeated Pirates 1-0 at Kings Park Stadium, the venue across the Moses Mabhida Stadium.