By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Orlando Pirates have confirmed that head coach Jose Riveiro will leave the club at the end of the season after opting not to renew his contract.
Riveiro has secured three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups for the club, and is looking to add a third Nedbank Cup title this season with the club facing Marumo Gallants in the semifinals.
They are also in the quarterfinals of the CAF Champions League and not out of contention quite yet in the Betway Premiership.
“While we would have liked José to extend his stay with us, at the same time, we fully respect his decision. We are grateful for everything he has done for the Club,” Pirates Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza was quoted on the club’s website.
“The achievements of the intervening years speak for themselves. The joy that José and his support staff have brought to this Club will never be forgotten.
“The Club’s immediate priority will be two-fold. Firstly, in keeping with his wishes, we will find the appropriate time to fully express our appreciation of José and his contribution to the Club but secondly, for the football department to begin the extensive exercise of finding a suitable replacement ahead of the 2025/26 season.
“We appreciate the three years of service that José has given this institution and fully support his decision. Wherever his journey takes him, he must know that the Orlando Pirates family will always be behind him.”
With Riveiro’s exit now confirmed, the fans will be eager to see who will finally be appointed to take over in the next season. Perhaps Pitso Mosimane?
Pirates have a winning team, which will make things easier if Mosimane joins the team. A good team doesn’t need a new coach to start from scratch and rebuild. ‘Jingles’ improved a good Al Ahly side and made it better so it’s likely he would do the same for the Buccaneers.