Jose Riveiro says adiós to Orlando Pirates
He arrived in 2022 and during his time with the Buccaneers, the Spaniard won three MTN8 titles, two Nedbank Cup trophies and lead them back-to-back second place finishes in the Premiership.
Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro looks on during the Premier Soccer League football match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on 29 October 2022. Picture: AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Orlando Pirates have revealed that José Riveiro will be stepping down from his position as head coach at the end of the season after choosing not to renew his contract which was due to expire at the end of this current campaign.
He arrived in 2022 and during his time with the Buccaneers, the Spaniard won three MTN8 titles, two Nedbank Cup trophies and lead them back-to-back second place finishes in the Premiership.
In March, Riveiro made history as he took charge of his 120th game, which made him the longest-serving coach in the club’s history, beating Ruud Krol’s record.
Pirates Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza has praised the impact the 49-year-old has had on the Soweto giants.
"While we would have liked José to extend his stay with us, at the same time, we fully respect his decision," Khoza said. "We are grateful for everything he has done for the Club."
He further added that, "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."
Speaking to Orlandopiratesfc.com about his departure, Riveiro said, "my priority right now is on our upcoming match against Polokwane City.
"This is a tough match. A match that needs our undivided attention and focus. The time will come for me to express myself on the decision I have made but now isn’t that time because we have a job to do. The season is far from over and we have a lot of work to do between now and the end of May.
"Obviously, in an ideal world, one would have wanted to hold on making any statements until the end of the season but it’s not possible. The club needs to plan for its future and it’s only fair that they are given time to do so."
Ezimnyama Ngenkani will look to remain at least one of the three competitions they are still in to end Riveiro’s tenure on a high.
They take on Marumo Gallants in the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup on 13 April, while they have a 1-0 lead in their CAF Champions League quarterfinal against MC Alger.
In the Betway Premiership, they sit in second place, 15 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, but have four games in hand.