The recent departure of Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has stirred up quite a bit of speculation about what lies ahead for the team.

Since the Spaniard announced he was stepping down back in April, the Buccaneers’ performances have been a mixed bag, leaving fans wondering how much his exit has truly impacted the players.

Mixed Results After Riveiro’s Announcement

Under Riveiro’s leadership, the Pirates fought hard but ultimately missed out on several major trophies this season — from the league title and Nedbank Cup to the CAF Champions League.

Last week marked Riveiro’s final match in charge, where the team impressively secured a 3-0 win.

But following that high, the Pirates stumbled a bit, managing only a 1-1 draw against TS Galaxy in their most recent outing.

Doubts Over Pirates’ Future Strength

These inconsistent performances have sparked questions among supporters and pundits alike.

Can the Pirates remain a strong force now that Riveiro is no longer at the helm? Bobby Motaung, the Kaizer Chiefs boss and longtime rival, didn’t hold back, predicting tough times ahead for the Buccaneers.

He shared his thoughts openly: “Did you see the Pirates coach is leaving? They will be average next season. We aren’t planning to change our coach.

Stuart Baxter did something similar — won three seasons in a row, and then once his profile rose, he moved on. That’s just how it goes.”

Interim Coach Reflects on Possible Impact of Departure

Meanwhile, interim coach Mandla Ncikazi weighed in when asked if Riveiro’s exit might be weighing on the players’ minds.

“After a result like this, your thoughts run wild. Could it have affected them? Maybe, but I can’t say for sure,” Ncikazi explained.

He acknowledged Riveiro’s strong influence on the team but admitted it’s tricky to measure how players respond emotionally to such changes.

“I thought the players would use this game as a chance to celebrate his success and push themselves forward.

But everyone handles disappointments differently, and unfortunately, I don’t have the tools to fully gauge that.”

What’s Next for Orlando Pirates This Season?

With three league matches still left on the calendar, the big question remains: will the Pirates find the motivation and form to finish the season strongly, or will Riveiro’s departure continue to cast a shadow over the squad’s performances? Only time will tell.