Legend of the Kaizer Chiefs Itumeleng Khune praises Orlando Pirates’ José Riveiro
The Carling All-Star XI team that defeated Stellenbosch FC on Saturday had Khune selected as captain, while the Spanish mentor was chosen by the team’s supporters to be the head coach.
On January 6, 2024, at Peter Mobaka Stadium in Polokwane, the Carling All-Stars played Stellenbosch FC in the 2024 Carling Black Label Cup. The game was coached by Jose Riveiro and included Itumeleng Khune of the Carling All-Stars. Image courtesy of BackpagePix and Samuel Shivambu
After the two of them teamed for Carling Cup glory, Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro received great accolades from experienced goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune of the Kaizer Chiefs.
The Carling All-Star XI team that defeated Stellenbosch FC on Saturday had Khune selected as captain, while the Spanish mentor was chosen by the team’s supporters to be the head coach.
Prior to their January break, regular opponents from different teams united in a first-of-its-kind exhibition match to both make history and receive a “little” pay check.
The odds were stacked against the All Star XI going into the game, as five players were still competing in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC). However, goals from Ashley du Preez and Mfundo Vilakazi of the Chiefs sent them over the finish line.
Riveiro and Khune collaborated extensively before the game, and after their triumph, the 36-year-old goalie showed his respect for the manager.
The former member of Bafana Bafana claimed that Riveiro’s spectacular two years in the nation were not an anomaly.
After the game, Khune remarked, “I think the results and the performance today give you answers to how he is as a coach. Since he’s been here, he’s been here for two seasons and won three cups already for his club.”
“It gives you the sense that he’s a great coach,” he continued. “It shows his quality as a coach, how dedicated he is to the game, and his winning mentality. His club traveled all the way to Europe to get him; they believe in him, just like the fans here at home.” “They voted for him among the 16 other coaches,” he said.
He managed to get a crew together and get us ready for two days. People wrote us off; indeed, you would have predicted Stellenbosch to win before the match began, but the fact that we scored two goals early on demonstrates how well the players and coach responded, and the entire staff should be commended.
In his first two seasons, Riveiro won three trophies—two MTN8s and a Nedbank Cup—which not only won him praise from Khune but also from South African football supporters in general.
Riveiro won the most votes (5581) from the general public to captain the All Stars squad, defeating Rulani Mokwena (4652), Steve Kompela (1976), and Sead Ramovic (2313).
After overcoming a difficult first round at the club level in 2023–2024, Riveiro won the Black Label All-Star trophy, adding a fourth trophy to his collection.
Back between the posts, Khune had a memorable day as he won silverware and put on a Player of the Match performance.
The best player in Mzansi also left with a hefty money boost after winning Player of the Match for the day and helping his club score a goal in the first five minutes. He took home R185,000 for his efforts.
