Riveiro to take charge one last time

In an emotional turn of events for one of South Africa's most storied football clubs, Orlando Pirates have announced their Spanish coach, Jose Riveiro, will be on the bench for the final time on Tuesday evening when the team hosts Golden Arrows at Orlando Stadium.

To make the occasion special, the club has appealed to 'The Ghost', as its followers are famously known, to turn out in their numbers to bid farewell to their beloved coach Riveiro, whom they dubbed the 'Spanish Guitar', a metaphor for his ability to create beautiful football.

He coached the team to play a brand of football that balances flair with resilience, a testament to his deep understanding of the game and his ability to adapt to opponents' tactics.

The club granted Riveiro an early release from his contract, which was originally set to run until the end of June 2025.

Pirates chairman Irvin 'Iron Duke' Khoza said: “Jose approached us a few weeks ago with a request to be released from his contract ahead of schedule, having signed with a new club.

“Given the timing, amidst a series of crucial fixtures, we believed it was best to delay this announcement until after the Nedbank Cup final. His contribution since joining the club has been immense. We learned a lot from him, and he learned a lot from us.

“We would have preferred to honour him with a proper send-off formally, but we fully respect his decision to depart before the end of his tenure.”

Since taking the reins in 2022, Riveiro has led the team to significant heights, culminating in a remarkable haul of five domestic trophies. Last season, he guided Pirates to a commendable runners-up slot in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Adding to this success, just weeks ago, Riveiro steered the Pirates to the semi-finals of Africa’s most prestigious club tournament, the CAF Champions League. These achievements signalled a resurgence of Pirates as serious contenders on the continent's grandest stage.

In a poignant revelation, Riveiro confirmed his departure, expressing deep gratitude for the experiences shared with the club. Speaking to the club's media, Riveiro reflected on his journey, addressing the emotional weight of saying goodbye to a team he has come to cherish greatly.

He said: “I am deeply grateful to everyone at the club – from management and technical staff to the players and the many individuals behind the scenes who work tirelessly to support the team.

“To the players, thank you for believing in the journey we shared and for giving everything on the pitch. And to the supporters. When I arrived, I challenged you to come out in your numbers and rally behind your team. You did that, and more. You turned every match into a moment to remember, and your passion is something I will carry with me forever.

“Thank you for allowing me to be part of this great club’s story.”

Riveiro's departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter for Pirates, who experienced a resurgence under his leadership. They will be searching for a successor who can build on his accomplishments.

Pirates' remaining five Premiership matches will be overseen by assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi, who will assume the role on an interim basis, supported by Head Performance Analyst Rayaan Jacobs and the club’s dedicated technical and support staff.

Although it is yet to be confirmed, Riveiro will join Egyptian giants Zamalek after the two parties had a Zoom meeting recently.