Two trophies and runners-up spot, Pirates coach reflects on ‘emotional’ season

The Spaniard has now had a memorable first campaign with the Buccaneers, returning them to the CAF Champions League after a four-year hiatus. 

Riveiro has had to adjust to a new culture.

"Emotionally it's been tough this season, for many reasons. It's not easy to do what you like and what you love in a different context like it is for me to be here. The learning process was difficult, things were not easy from the start," he said.

With all that he’s achieved, Riveiro deserves a much-needed break.

But he insists it can’t be too long.

The Pirates coach was reluctant to talk about the Champions League immediately after lifting the Nedbank Cup trophy on Saturday night having beaten Sekhukhune United 2-1 at Loftus Stadium.

He does, however, acknowledge what’s to come.

"We are going to Africa, what are we gonna do in Africa? Dream? We have the potential to go all the way. I'm a very optimistic person. So, when I start a tournament, I'm going with the intention to go all the way," the coach explained.

Riveiro already knows what to expect on the continent.

"We are gonna find difficult trips, difficult opponents, difficult decisions from the referees. It's a difficult competition but Sundowns this season did a fantastic job in that competition. They showed that it's possible for South African teams to compete until the last stages."