There are growing reports suggesting that Orlando Pirates head coach, Jose Riveiro, may soon be bidding farewell to South Africa.
As his contract with the club nears its expiration at the end of the 2024/2025 season, the Spanish tactician is said to be leaning towards leaving the club and returning to Spain.
This comes after an impressive stint with the Pirates, where he helped the team clinch five major trophies since joining in 2022.
His success has earned him a reputation as one of the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) most successful coaches, but now speculation about his future has taken center stage.
Riveiro Opens Up About His Current Focus
In the latest episode of the Bucs Camp documentary, Riveiro addressed questions about his future, though he was careful not to give away too much.
Staying true to his character, he expressed his commitment to living in the present moment.
“I don’t want to know, I just want to live in the moment, the next training, the next game, the next opportunity to do what I love,” Riveiro said, according to The Citizen.
“Football is totally unexpected and difficult to predict.
You never know where you’ll be in one month, four months, six months, or a year. So let’s rock for now.”
Club Preparing for a Special Farewell
Despite his evasiveness in interviews, sources close to the club have revealed that Riveiro has made the decision to return home to Spain.
The Pirates are reportedly planning a special tribute for him at the end of the season to celebrate his accomplishments.
However, the club has chosen to keep this news under wraps for now, aiming to keep the focus on their ongoing league and CAF Champions League commitments.
“Riveiro’s decision seems final. He feels he’s achieved everything he set out to do in the PSL, and not seeing his family much has played a role in his decision to leave.
The club is preparing a farewell tribute, but they’ve kept it quiet to maintain focus within the squad,” said one source close to the team.
What’s Next for Orlando Pirates?
With the possibility of Riveiro’s departure looming, Orlando Pirates now face the challenge of finding a new head coach.
The coach’s tactical expertise and leadership style will be hard to replace, making the search for a suitable successor a crucial task for the club.
The future of the team could hinge on making the right decision in the wake of Riveiro’s possible exit.