Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro says he was not surprised to be referred to as a ‘plumber’ when he first joined the team.
The 49-year-old joined the Buccaneers in 2023 and has since won five trophies with the Soweto giants. He is currently in his last season, having announced that he would leave the club at the end of his contract in the coming months.
Speaking to Thomas Mlambo, Riveiro revealed that the Pirates’ management warned him that his appointment might not please some fans.
“To be honest, I was aware of that (plumber tag). The club management explained to me that ‘we are going to announce you as coach and this can happen’. I easily understood; it’s normal, nobody knows me and I’m not coming from Premier League,” he said.
Orlando Pirates fans referred to Riveiro as a plumber
The Spaniard said he understood why fans were sceptical of him, given he never coached for big teams. He said his time at Pirates has proved that he was committed and dedicated to the club.
“I don’t know the meaning of the words they said about me or what they are trying to express. If their doubt is about my professionalism, they can be calm. I am a person who is really committed to his job,” said the Pirates coach.
Riveiro is set to leave Pirates next month
“Like we said, football will speak for us, what we are going to achieve will speak for us. We are here to entertain the people and if the people say we are plumbers, then it’s fine, no problem at all,” Riveiro said.
Who will replace Jose Riveiro?
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