Orlando Pirates have confirmed the early exit of head coach Jose Riveiro, who is set to sit in the Buccaneers’ dugout for the final time this coming Tuesday.
The Buccaneers will host Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday, and Spaniard is expected to call the shots for the last time. The Pirates initially confirmed that the accomplished mentor would vacate his role at the end of the season.
Riveiro requested to be granted an early exit at the back of the Soweto Derby defeat, where Bucs suffered a 2-1 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final.
Pirates’ chairman Irvin Khoza revealed the club had communicated with Riveiro about his release.
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,” Khoza was quoted as saying by the club’s official website.
“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.
“While we would have preferred to formally honour him with a proper send-off, we fully respect his decision to depart before the end of his tenure,” Khoza added.
Riveiro leaves Pirates with an improved CV where he bagged five domestic trophies since 2022, played Mamelodi Sundowns’ bridesmaid in the league and also guided Bucs back to the Caf Champions League where they reached the semifinal this term.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to Orlando Pirates for allowing me the opportunity to leave before the end of my contract. As someone who has never found goodbyes easy, this moment is particularly emotional for me,” Riveiro said on orlandopirates.com.
“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 first 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.”
