Pitso Mosimane’s verdict on Jose Riveiro’s impact

Al-Ahli Saudi head coach Pitso Mosimane has issued his verdict on Jose Riveiro following the Spaniard’s first season at Orlando Pirates.

Riveiro was appointed as Pirates coach at the start of the 2022/23 campaign and he didn’t take time to stamp his authority.

The Vigo-born won the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup in his first campaign in charge of the Buccaneers. He also guided the club to the second-place finish to qualify for the CAF Champions League next season.

Riveiro was also nominated for the Coach of the Season award which was won by Mamelodi Sundowns mentor Rulani Mokwena.

Mokwena won the accolade at the 2022/23 PSL Awards after guiding Sundowns to the sixth league title in a row.

Meanwhile, Pirates won 16, drew six and lost eight of 30 league games they played in the just-ended season. They ended the campaign having accumulated 54 points.

With Riviero managing to turn them into a competitive side in his maiden season, Mosimane has heaped praises on the 47-year-old tactician.

PITSO MOSIMANE HEAPS PRAISES ON ORLANDO PIRATES COACH JOSE RIVEIRO

“I must congratulate Orlando Pirates, the coach in his first year won two trophies,” Mosimane said on Power FM.

“I’m very much impressed and I’ve been listening to him speak formations and tactics. He’s spot on and he knows his stuff.

“He knows his stuff, he’s calm, humble and he has done very well. You know my opinion about the European coaches in South Africa. This is what we want to see, value-added,” the coach added.

Pirates will be looking to continue their winning momentum in the 2023/24 season and challenge Sundowns to the league title.

The Soweto giants last won the league title during the 2011/12 season under the guidance of Ruud Krol.

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