‘He’s not a publicity coach’: SA football legend hails Jose Riveiro

Published on by Nkosiyabuya Sithole

Jomo Cosmos owner Jomo Sono has praised Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro for his ability to achieve desired results while largely remaining out of the media limelight.

The Spanish coach assumed leadership of the Buccaneers in 2020 after leaving the Finnish club Inter Turku.

He has revitalised the fortunes of the Sea Robbers, leading them to secure two Nedbank Cup titles and two MTN8 trophies.

Sono remarked that Riveiro understands his purpose in South Africa and is adept at avoiding public attention while effectively executing his responsibilities and attaining positive outcomes.

'He's not a publicity coach': SA football legend hails Jose Riveiro
Jomo Sono – Photo by Imago

JOSE RIVEIRO PRAISED FOR BEING ADEPT AT AVOIDING PUBLIC ATTENTION 

“He knows what he is doing. I think he is a very good coach. He is not a coach who is after publicity. He just wants to do his job and that's it,” said Sono as quoted by Soccer Laduma.

“You have coaches here…l know one in the NFD who is just a publicity coach. Some are not publicity coaches. They are doing their jobs. 

“He has done a job, let's not take that away. We hope he stays, but knowing football, you can wake up tomorrow and he is gone. That's football. I am the only one who wakes up (and still has a jol).

“He's done well to get his hands on four domestic titles, but Riveiro cannot run away from the pressure of having to perform in the CAF Champions League. 

“After getting knocked out in the qualifying rounds last season, he carries the heavy burden of having to make sure that the club is not watching the group stages from the couch like the rest of South Africa.”

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Nkosiyabuya Sithole

Nkosiyabuya Sithole, a young and rising sports journalist based in Durban, South Africa, harbors a deep passion for football. Nevertheless, he aspires to become a well-rounded journalist, adept in various areas of the field.

Nkosi's career began in 2020, working as a home-based writer during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has since written for various websites, including Briefly News, FiND-iT News, and The South African. Attending live sporting events is a particular pleasure for him, as they provide opportunities for interaction with sports personalities.

Outside of the office, he's a God-fearing and affable young man.