Former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro believes the Carling Knockout Final between Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants will be an exciting and very attacking match. The final will take place on 6 December at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

 

Riveiro, who is back in South Africa as a Carling Black Label ambassador, shared his thoughts during a media briefing at the G20 Summit in Sandton.

He said most finals are not very entertaining, but this one could be different.

 

Riveiro explained that both Pirates and Gallants like to play fast, vertical football, and both coaches push their teams to attack. He believes both sides will try to score early and create many chances.

 

He also added that he hopes Pirates win the final again.

 

Riveiro is well known in South Africa and is considered one of the most successful coaches in local football. He is back to mentor fans in the Carling Champion Coach programme ahead of the Carling All-Star match on 13 December at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The All-Star team will face the winners of the Carling Knockout.

 

Riveiro knows the event well because he coached the All-Star side to two Carling Cup victories, in 2023 against Stellenbosch FC and in 2024 against Magesi FC. He said those wins were some of the best moments of his coaching career.

 

The Champion Coach programme allows one lucky fan to coach an All-Star team made up of top PSL players. The initiative started in 2011 and remains a fan favourite.

 

Riveiro advised fans who want to be the next Champion Coach to be confident and true to themselves. He said the players are the stars, and the coach must simply guide them and help them shine.

 

This year, millions of fans entered the competition. 15 fans have been shortlisted, and soon the group will be reduced to 10 finalists for the Champion Coach Selection weekend.