IT was an emotional evening for players, fans and the man of the moment Jose Luis Riveiro, who leaves Orlando Pirates with a thick history.
On Tuesday night, the Spanish guitar reverberated for the last time, at Orlando Stadium, as Bucs paid a fitting farewell to their mentor and Spaniard Jose, by outfoxing Golden Arrows 3-0, with send-off goals from Tshegofatso Mabasa, Deon Hotto and Kabelo Damini.
According to the club’s boss Dr Irvin Khoza, the Spaniard had requested an early release from his post a few weeks ago, having already announced that he would not renew his contract at the end of the season, however, it was only on Monday afternoon that the club confirmed he would take charge for one last time when Pirates hosted Arrows in Orlando.
“While we would have preferred to formally honour him with a proper send-off, we fully respect his decision to depart before the end of his tenure,” said the emotional ‘Iron-Duke’.
During his emotional address as he hugged and kissed his players for the very last time, Jose said “I will forever be a Buccaneer. Once and always …”
He continued, with a microphone glued to his hand, to the fans: “I just want to say thank you for all the love that you’ve given me since I arrived in Orlando — from the first day until today.”
“You cannot imagine how much love is leaving with me. Please take care of these guys (the players). Be supportive and be patient with them!”
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to Orlando Pirates for allowing me the opportunity to leave before the end of my contract. As someone who has never found goodbyes easy, this moment is particularly emotional for me,” said Jose.
“I am deeply grateful to everyone at the club, from management and technical staff to the players and the many individuals behind the scenes who work tirelessly to support the team.
“To the players, thank you for believing in the journey we shared and for giving everything on the pitch. And to the supporters, when I first arrived I challenged you to come out in your numbers and rally behind your team — you did that, and more.”
During his three-year spell with the club, Jose recorded five trophies, of which he did not win the league.
Despite losing to Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in last weekend’s Nedbank Cup finale in Durban, fans continued to respect the glory days he brought back to the Soweto giants.
Having alluded he will not sign for any PSL side (in football never say never) Jose will join Egyptian giants Al Ahly (Red Devils) in a deal worth millions, including his technical team.
We say nos vemos, adios, hasta luego- Jose!
As for Bucs, they will wrap-up the season under the caretaker coach role of Mandla Ncikazi.
Image (Fare thee well senor Jose Luis Riveiro).
