Jose Riveiro’s abrupt departure from Orlando Pirates has left fans and pundits questioning the timing and motives behind his exit, coming just days after a painful Nedbank Cup final defeat to archrivals Kaizer Chiefs.
Speculation grows as the Spanish coach departs after a disappointing season, with Al Ahly believed to be the possible destination.
While the club framed the decision as mutual, with Pirates granting Riveiro an early release due to his signing with a new—yet unnamed—club, the move has raised eyebrows.
The Spaniard leaves at a turbulent time, with the Buccaneers ending the season trophyless except for the MTN8, a far cry from their ambitions in the league, CAF Champions League, and Nedbank Cup.
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Despite chairman Irvin Khoza’s diplomatic statement, sources suggest tensions may have been brewing behind the scenes.
Riveiro’s request for an early exit came weeks ago, but the club delayed the announcement—conveniently waiting until after the Nedbank Cup final. Was this to avoid destabilizing the team, or were there already doubts about his future?
The coach’s emotional farewell message hinted at a difficult parting, thanking the club for allowing him to leave “prematurely.” His words—“I have never found goodbyes easy”—suggest this may not have been a decision taken lightly, or perhaps even entirely his own.
Though Pirates did not disclose Riveiro’s next destination, strong rumors link him to Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly. If true,
Orlando Pirates secured a crucial away win over MC Alger in Algeria in the CAF Champions League quarter-final first leg.
the move would mark a significant step up, raising questions over whether the lure of a continental giant played a role in his early exit.
For Pirates, the focus now shifts to rebuilding. Assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi will take interim charge, but the search for a permanent successor begins amid a fanbase demanding answers—and trophies.
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Riveiro’s legacy at Pirates includes five trophies in two years, but his sudden departure leaves a bitter taste after a season of near-misses. Was this a case of a coach seizing a better opportunity, or did Pirates’ recent failures speed up his exit? The truth may lie somewhere in between.
