'I was running that project': Riveiro makes bold Pirates claim
The 49-year-old coach recorded an impressive record of 80 wins, 26 draws, and 26 losses in 132 matches while in charge of the team. Over three years, he led the Pirates to win five trophies.
In April, Riveiro caused a stir by announcing his departure from the club after three successful years. It was later revealed that he had signed a pre-contract with the Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
'Of course, being a coach at Orlando Pirates helped me a lot,' Riveiro told Al Ahly TV .
' The idea at Orlando Pirates is that I was not coaching a team, I was running a project there to build a whole team of young players.
'It was difficult, but I learnt a lot from it. I was able to win five titles, and I was able to participate in the African Championship [CAF Champions League]. And I was able to reach the final stages of the championship [Betway Premiership] more than once.'
At Pirates, the Spaniard introduced the likes of Mohau Nkota, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Relebohile Mofokeng. The trio made their debuts as teenagers and went on to force their way into the Pirates lineup.
'And through Orlando Pirates, I was able to help a lot of young players become stars in Africa. First, because they were qualified. Secondly, because they were trained in a scientific way,' Riveiro continued.
'Of course, the support system helped me a lot. And the management of the club, which had a vision of how to bring out a generation of young players capable of competing in all the African championships.'
'The experience at Pirates helped me a lot. I was able to get to know Africa in my role and my abilities as a coach; I wasn't afraid,' he said.
Pirates are yet to name Riveiro's replacement but Rulani Mokwena and Pitso Mosimane are favourite to take over.
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