Orlando Pirates will start their latest cup competition bouncing with confidence with Jose Riveiro having already guided The Bucs to a historic run of success in cup competitions.
Riveiro's record in the cup competitions since he arrived in South Africa at the beginning of the 2022/23 season records – three in a row (2022/23 MTN8, 2022/23 Nedbank Cup, and 2023/24 MTN8).
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No coach at Pirates has ever won his first three cup competitions in charge at the club.
Then as it stands, Riveiro has already matched Pirates' double treble run when they also won three cup competitions in a row starting with the 2010/11 Nedbank Cup, 2011/12 MTN8, and 2011/12 Telkom Knockout Cup (all three trophies won in the same calendar year – 2011).
The 2010/11 Nedbank Cup was won under Rudi Krol, while for the MTN8 and Telkom it was Julio Leal in charge.
With the start of the Carling Cup, it means Riveiro will take aim at his fourth in a row which will set Pirates to their most knockout trophies in a row through their history.
The Carling route has four games and carries R6,85 million for the winners.
The Bucs have what appears the softest draw as they host Cape Town Spurs – who are looking hopeless at the bottom of the DStv Premiership having lost their opening eight games.
Riveiro's success started with the MTN8 last season with Pirates getting past Royal AM in the last eight before accounting for Mamelodi Sundowns (one win and one draw) over two legs and then winning the final 1-0.
Next was the Nedbank Cup where there were wins against Cape Town All Stars, Venda FC, Dondol Stars, Kaizer Chiefs, and then Sekhukhune United in the final.
Into the new season, the Spaniard got past Sekhukhune, Stellenbosch over two legs (one defeat and one win), and Sundowns in the final.
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Riveiro has delivered three from playing just 13 games winning 11, losing one and one draw.
Pirates' match against Spurs at Orlando Stadium (19h30) will also have a scrumptious offer of R100 000 for the man of the match just like all games in the Carling Cup.