When Orlando Pirates appointed Jose Riveiro at the beginning of last season, the Spaniard was a surprise choice considering that he had never coached on the African continent before.
In scrutinising Riveiro, some went as far as asking the question: 'Jose who?'
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Yet at the end of his first season, all doubts had been cast aside with the Spaniard the toast of town after lifting the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup, while finishing second in the league.
Riveiro went about his duties as calm as an old man watering his garden and is never loud nor charismatic.
Into the second season, he retained the MTN8 and is now chasing both second place in the league and the Nedbank Cup, for which he wrestles Mamelodi Sundowns in the final on June 1.
"I have to admit that prior to him arriving in South Africa, I honestly didn't know about him," says fellow Spanish coach Albert Samso Besora, who is based in Barcelona.
Riveiro never played professional football and was only involved with the youth set-up at Celta Vigo, before moving on to Finland, where he spent seven years prior to ending up at Pirates.
"The nature of the coaching space here in Spain is tight because of the number of coaches that we have.
"Besides most clubs here in Spain being coached by Spaniards, you also know that even in the English game we have Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola, Unai Emery and Andoni Iraola nominated as four of the five coaches for the Coach of the Season in England.
"Xabi Alonso has done wonders with Bayern Leverkusen. In France, we have Luis Enrique and Carles Martinez. So, that gives you a clear picture about Spanish coaches and the work they are doing everywhere.
"Normally, the challenge here in Spain is that if you already have a name from your playing days, it becomes easier to get into a job.
"If you weren't a professional player, then it becomes extremely difficult to break into the market.
"So, that is why so many Spanish coaches with top qualifications like me are then forced to find opportunities outside of Spain or even outside Europe.
"We have the best schools of coaching here in Spain, so the quality of coaches coming out is always top.
"With that said, I'm not surprised of the work that Jose has done at Pirates.
"It is just a perfect example of how our coaches can adapt anywhere in the world," says Besora of Riveiro, who took charge of game number 80 at Pirates in the midweek win over Chippa United.
"Spanish coaches adapt faster in any country because of our approach to the game.
"I'm impressed with Jose because the PSL is better than most of the leagues that are outside the top seven-eight leagues here in Europe.
"Spanish coaches have capacity to adapt and are hard workers beyond having the knowledge in the game.
"It is for that reason that Jose's work is getting known to even more people here in Spain outside those who worked at Celta Vigo.
"Jose is a big coach now because of what he has done at Pirates.
"Here in Spain nowadays, if you check his name in the Spanish media, I think he is also getting a bit of mention, unlike before, which shows they are starting to take notice here in Spain.
"When a coach is doing the kind of work that Jose is doing, it is difficult to ignore him.
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"I was at FNB for the Soweto Derby and recognised a lot of his Spanish influence in his team.
"The reaction when they lose the ball and what they do when they get the ball...," says Besora, who is also a UEFA Pro Licence holder.