Coach Jose Riveiro and the Orlando Pirates management confirmed the parties will part ways at the end of the season.
The Spaniard has been at the helm of the Buccaneers since the 2022/23 season, helping them to three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups. Many South Africans had anticipated seeing Bucs challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the Premier Soccer League title.
The Soweto giants were also in the race for the Caf Champions League title, having managed to get past the preliminary rounds without defeat. However, since the exit announcement was made, Pirates are out of the continental games and 12 points behind the Brazilians in the race for the League crown.
Is the exit announcement to blame for Pirates' struggles?
Coach Riveiro insists the public had to know what was coming instead of keeping it a secret. He has further lauded the club's management for the way they handled the whole situation, insisting it is always good to give opportunities.
“I think it [the announcement] is a good way to avoid the speculation. It is a good way to keep our home under control. At the same time, it was a movement of transparency from our club,” he said ahead of the Soweto Derby this weekend against Kaizer Chiefs, as quoted by Sowetan.
“I don’t know if it was the first time [in SA football], but it probably is not going to be the last time. I think it is a good way to understand the situation of the club, the situation of the coach in this case, to give us an opportunity as coaches, as football players, for the team to be focused on the last part of the season. I’m happy about how the club handled this situation.”
Pirates are confident ahead of the Soweto Derby
Despite the back-to-back losses against Pyramids and Sekhukhune United, respectively, Riveiro says the mood is good ahead of this weekend's assignment.
“The mood is surprisingly good; I can tell you that this season we’ve developed a capacity to overcome any kind of obstacle and to find motivation among ourselves,” the Spaniard continued.
“We are confident about ourselves that we are facing our last part of the season, and I think this term what the players delivered is second to none. [It has mostly been] exceptionally good, and we want to finalise it in a good way,” Riveiro concluded.
