Riveiro Discusses Coach Of The Season Award

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has congratulated Rulani Mokwena for scooping the 2022/23 DStv Premiership Coach of the Season award.

Riveiro, Mokwena and SuperSporrt United boss Gavin Hunt made up the top three nominations at the annual Premier Soccer League award ceremony on Sunday.

But it was Mokwena, who led Sundowns to the title with a record seven games to spare, and 16 points ahead of runners-up Pirates who secured the top prize.

There have been question marks around the process with Riveiro winning two cups, but it’s not considered as part of the criteria when judging for the best coach in the league.

“The individual award is part of this [football season], it will never change,” Riveiro said.

“But if I’m nominated as a coach it’s because of my team, my technical team, the whole club is doing a fantastic job and I get the benefit of that, my name is there.

“But we are a group of working people, it’s an honour, but you know my first season to see my name there, I really appreciate the people who decide to nominate me.

“Like I said it’s a nomination for the whole club, the players, and coaching staff to be there, and congratulations to the winner, Rulani, and even to Gavin for the fantastic season they did. 

“Hopefully next season we can continue competing against each other in the right way, offer good performances and a show for the people.”