As the football season winds down, Kaizer Chiefs’ Football Manager Bobby Motaung has shared his views on the departure of Jose Riveiro from Orlando Pirates.
The Spaniard, who enjoyed a successful three-season stint with the Buccaneers, announced that he would not be renewing his contract at the end of the current season.
During his time at the club, Riveiro led the Pirates to five major trophies, solidifying his reputation in South African football.
Motaung’s Take on Riveiro’s Departure
In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), Motaung couldn’t help but comment on Riveiro’s exit.
He suggested that the departure could have a significant impact on the Buccaneers’ future performance. “Did you see the Pirates coach is leaving? They will be average next season.
We are not changing our coach,” said Motaung, referring to his own club’s stability.
He added, “Stuart Baxter did the same thing. He won for three seasons. Once he saw that his profile had improved, what did he do? Things are like that.”
The Stuart Baxter Comparison
Motaung’s comments quickly turned to a comparison with former Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter, who left the club in 2015 after winning a double.
Baxter had spent three successful years at Amakhosi, but once his profile grew, he made the decision to leave South Africa.
Motaung seemed to draw a parallel between Baxter’s departure and Riveiro’s decision, speculating that Riveiro’s polished CV might open doors for him to coach in Europe or bigger clubs.
Riveiro Still Has Time for Glory
Despite the impending departure, Riveiro’s time with the Pirates is far from over.
With two months left in the season, the Spanish coach still has the opportunity to lead his team to even greater success.
Pirates remain involved in the CAF Champions League, Betway Premiership, and Nedbank Cup, meaning Riveiro could potentially complete a treble before leaving the club.
As the season progresses, fans are left wondering whether Riveiro’s departure is a move similar to Baxter’s exit or if there are other underlying reasons behind it. Time will tell, but one thing is certain – Riveiro’s legacy at the Pirates will not be easily forgotten.
