José Riveiro opens up on his coaching future, Orlando Pirates legacy, and the magic behind the Carling All-Stars

Newly appointed as the Carling Black Label Brand Advocate, Jose Riveiro’s role marks a new chapter in his career. He revealed that Carling had approached him long before he left Al Ahly, although discussions at the time were brief.

“It’s always a pleasure to give back to our football,” he said. “Now that I’m free, I can contribute in a different way.”

His voice carried a mix of gratitude and purpose as he described the brand’s mission taking the trophy to the fans, elevating young talent, and keeping the competition meaningful.

Riveiro admitted he has spent the last few months doing something he never had time for, deep reflection on the last three and a half years of his career.

“Trying to understand what I did right, what I did wrong, and how I can be better. I’m not in a hurry.”

He hinted strongly that his next job may be in Europe, confirming he’s actively in discussions but unwilling to rush into a role that doesn’t align with his ambitions.

When asked if he would consider the job as head coach for Bafana Bafana, especially with current coach Hugo Broos set to retire after the 2026 World Cup.

His answer was diplomatic, respectful, and deliberately ambiguous

“It’s a beautiful moment for South African football. There is a coach, a respectful one. Let him finish this journey. What happens after, nobody knows.”

The Orlando Pirates Bond: “I’m a Pirate. Always.”

Despite constant public speculation linking him to other PSL giants, including Kaizer Chiefs, Riveiro was emphatic about where his heart lies.

“Everybody knows that when I say I’m a Pirate, I’m not joking. If the opportunity comes to coach in South Africa, everyone knows the answer.”

He made it clear he hasn’t turned down any local offers, but if the day comes, Pirates would remain his first choice.

Riveiro also put some clarity on Saleng’s story.

South African fans have long wondered about the viral halftime clip in which Riveiro appeared frustrated with star winger Monnapule Saleng. The coach provided his most detailed explanation yet. It was the first game of the 2023/24 season vs Polokwane City.

Saleng scored, but Riveiro felt his overall performance was uncharacteristically poor.

With only minutes to reset a team at halftime, decisions become “hot” and brutally direct.

Riveiro made one point clear, only Saleng can fully tell the story.

“It belongs to him. He’s the only one who can say what happened — if he wants to.”

The departure of Saleng opened doors for Mohau Nkota, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, Tshegofatso Mabasa, and others. Riveiro was effusive about SA’s football talent.

“South African football is full of pure talent. Technically, football brains… we don’t have to feel inferior to anyone.”

Mohau’s rapid rise, moving abroad after barely a full PSL season is evidence, he said, of the quality within local youth structures.

The Secret Behind the Carling All-Stars Success

Riveiro won back-to-back Carling Cup finals despite working with squads assembled from rival clubs. How did he build chemistry so quickly?

“The fans build the team. And the players are competitive, they want to win.”

He says he approached the games like national-team camps, short, intense preparations focusing on structure, discipline, and clarity.

“If we didn’t take it seriously, Stellenbosch would have given us five or six.”

A coach between chapters, José Riveiro finds himself at a rare place in football, unhurried, reflective, and respected across a nation far from home. Whether he returns to the touchline in South Africa, takes a national team job someday, or heads back to Europe, one thing is clear

His impact on the Premier Soccer League, Orlando Pirates, and South African football culture is far from over.