Orlando Pirates Give Jose Riveiro a Heartfelt Farewell with 3-0 Victory Over Golden Arrows
Orlando Pirates bid an emotional farewell to outgoing head coach Jose Riveiro with a dominant 3-0 victory over Lamontville Golden Arrows at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday evening. The win not only marked the Buccaneers’ third successive league triumph but also served as a touching tribute to their Spanish mentor, who signed off his tenure on home soil with a performance to remember.
Having already confirmed Riveiro’s imminent departure after three years in charge, the Soweto giants ensured his final match was one filled with pride and appreciation. From the moment the match kicked off, there was an unmistakable sense of occasion under the chilly Johannesburg skies, with fans turning out in numbers to honour the man who had delivered five domestic trophies during his spell.
Mabasa Sets the Tone
After a cagey opening ten minutes, Orlando Pirates began to settle, and it didn’t take long before they found their rhythm. In the 16th minute, the ever-lively Relebohile Mofokeng glided down the left flank and teed up Tshegofatso Mabasa, who calmly slotted home the opener. The striker’s immediate celebration at the bench, embracing Riveiro, captured the emotion of the evening perfectly.
Just three minutes later, Bandile Shandu nearly doubled the lead, but his deflected shot skimmed past the upright. Golden Arrows had their best moment midway through the half when Nduduzo Sibiya’s curler rattled the woodwork, but Pirates maintained control, taking a slender lead into the break.
Second-Half Brilliance Seals It
Pirates returned from the interval with renewed intensity. Despite a solid stop from Arrows goalkeeper Ismail Watenga early in the half, the hosts remained relentless. Their persistence paid off at the hour mark when Deon Hotto’s determined run and cross found Shandu, who capitalised on a handling error from Watenga to tap home the second.
Within five minutes, the game was effectively over. Kabelo Dlamini delivered a stunning free-kick from the edge of the area, curling the ball into the bottom corner and sending the crowd into raptures.
A Night of Tribute and Emotion
Though the closing stages saw errors from both sides, Pirates were never threatened and secured their 18th league win of the campaign, cementing second place in the Betway Premiership.
But the night was more than just a result. It was a rare moment in local football – a heartfelt send-off for a foreign coach who left an indelible mark on the club and the game in our country. Supporters displayed banners and wore jerseys with Riveiro’s silhouette and the words “Gracias Jose Riveiro”, a fitting honour for a man who brought silverware and stability back to the Buccaneers.
Following the final whistle, Riveiro took a lap of honour and addressed the crowd in a touching farewell. Fighting back tears, he thanked fans for their unwavering support, urging them to stand by the players and show patience to the new coach.
“You cannot imagine how much love I have received,” he said. “Please take care of the boys. Be supportive and never give up on them. I will forever be a Buccaneer. Once and always.”
Orlando Pirates: Legacy Etched in Black and White
Jose Riveiro leaves behind a decorated tenure, having delivered three MTN8 trophies and two Nedbank Cup titles. More than that, he departs with the respect and admiration of a fanbase that had fully embraced him. As he waved goodbye to Orlando Stadium one last time, the warmth that filled the venue defied the night’s cold – a powerful farewell for a coach who gave his all.
Also read: Jose Riveiro Final Match: Riveiro Set for Next Move After Early Pirates Departure
