Mthethwa names Riviero Coach of the Season

Orlando Pirates defender, Sandile Mthethwa, has backed his coach Jose Riviero to be crowned Coach of the Season at the 2023/24 PSL Awards on Sunday night.

Mthethwa has enjoyed improved game time under the tutelage of Riviero for the better part of this season and has chipped in with some crucial goals for the club in some big games.

The lanky defender scored the winning goal in the Soweto Derby against arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs to take the Buccaneers to Saturday’s Nedbank Cup final against Sekhukhune United at Loftus Versveld.

He also scored the winning penalty in the quarter finals against ABC Motsepe side Dondol Stars after the match ended 1-1.

“Those are wonderful moments for me. I’m just happy that I was one of the players that put a hand and helped the club to go to the finals but it’s not only me, this is not tennis or golf, It’s football,” says the 26- year-old.

Speaking on his coach, he says the Spaniard has improved the squad as a whole.

“Coach Riviero has done a good job on all the players. He always wants 100%. He’s a coach that will only give you a chance if you work hard. He believes we’re all capable of doing what he wants. Individually, he’s really helped me cause he told me I should be a hard worker and wait for my chance. He believes in me and he doesn’t put a lot of pressure on me.”

Mthethwa says the team winning the Nedbank Cup on Saturday will see Riviero win the Coach of the Season title.

“Definitely, because we’re going to win the Nedbank Cup for him and he’s going to be coach of the season.” Article by Ntsako Mkhari