The Ghost are the happiest fans in town after Jose Riviero led his charges to the MTN8 title on Saturday night.
JOSE Riveiro’s appointment as Orlando Pirates coach was greeted with bemusement by the South African football fraternity, due to his poor track record.
But fast track four months into the job and ‘The Ghost’ are the happiest fans in town after the Spaniard led his charges to the MTN8 title on Saturday night.
This was no ordinary triumph.
It took the scalps of Royal AM, defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns and then AmaZulu in the finale to come full circle.
The Sea Robbers were the underdogs against the Brazilians, but such is the beauty of the MTN8 that new heroes are born in the process.
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That hero was Monnapule Saleng for Pirates.
Saleng bagged a brace and an assist as they dumped Sundowns out of the competition in the semi-finals.
But Saleng wasn’t done as he scored a sumptuous free-kick that won the game against Usuthu in Durban on Saturday.
MTN8 Champions!
Thanks #oncealways pic.twitter.com/niDRneDmaK— José Riveiro (@CoachRiveiro) November 5, 2022
This victory seemed scripted given the fact that everything just seemed to click into place – except that it didn’t. It took a coach to earn the trust of his players.
On his arrival at the club, Riveiro was called a “plumber” by some, suggesting he was a cheap import. But that has now changed, even though it never mattered to the man himself.
“This is no response to anyone. I’m here to do my job and I’m a professional football coach, and I’m prepared to do the job,” explained Riveiro in Durban.
That Riveiro has won a trophy in the first half of the season is a good omen for him, given Pirates’ history in the MTN8 when a new coach wins the competition for them.
Julio Leal didn’t last in his first full season in 2011/12 but after rewriting the script to win the MTN8, Pirates went on to win a treble that campaign.
“The way these guys compete is amazing. I am a very fortunate, lucky coach to have the group of players that we have. I am very, very proud,” Riveiro said.
Yes, that’s the mentality of champions and a team that has a goal. They are not derailed by bumps here and there as they know the journey will not be easy.
Kudos should go to the unity among the Pirates players. There is healthy competition that when one player starts, others are happy to make an impact from the bench.
After failing to make a single appearance last season, Thabiso Monyane was a surprise starter. And boy, has he grabbed the opportunity.
But it’s not only him who has made a telling contribution.
New midfielder Miguel Timm has fitted in like a glove since joining from Marumo Gallants.
“If you manage to make everyone part of something, in sport, businesses or personal life, then everything is going to be easier,” Riveiro said.
“If they are thinking it’s great to be part of a collective, not thinking about the minutes they are playing or games, they are going to work well together.”
Pirates have a chance to add to their euphoria in the Carling Black Label Cup on Saturday.
The Buccaneers have an opportunity to redeem themselves against Kaizer Chiefs in the second semi-final of the day at FNB Stadium.
