Jose Riveiro Jose Riveiro made a surprise decision to announce his departure from Orlando Pirates on Thursday. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English, Independent Newspapers
In a surprising turn of events, Jose Riveiro has made known his intention to step down as head coach of Orlando Pirates when his contract expires in May, at the end of the current season.
Pirates publicly made Riveiro’s intentions known on Thursday afternoon, raising questions about the timing of the announcement since the Buccaneers are navigating multiple important competitions, both domestically and on the continent.
The timing of the announcement is particularly noteworthy.
Pirates are entering a frenetic stage of the season, with each match carrying significant weight.
There is bound to be speculation that the announcement will galvanise the squad or lead to distractions. The team have several high-stakes encounters over the next few weeks.
Riveiro shared his feelings with Pirates’ website on Thursday, as the announcement sent shockwaves through the football community.
“My priority now is our upcoming match against Polokwane City (on Saturday). It is a tough match. A match that needs our undivided attention and focus,” said Riveiro.
“The time will come for me to express myself on the decision I have made, but now isn’t that time, because we have a job to do.
“The season is far from over, and we have a lot of work to do between now and the end of May.
“Obviously, in an ideal world, one would have wanted to hold on making any statements until the end of the season, but it’s not possible.
“The club needs to plan for its future, and it’s only fair that they have time to do so.”
Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza said Riveiro felt the club needed time to find a replacement, and that's why he made the call on Thursday.
“While we would have liked Jose to extend his stay with us, at the same time, we fully respect his decision. We are grateful for everything he has done for the club,” Khoza said.
“The achievements of the intervening years speak for themselves. The joy that Jose and his support staff have brought to this club will never be forgotten.
“The club’s immediate priority will be two-fold. Firstly, in keeping with his wishes, we will find the appropriate time to fully express our appreciation of Jose and his contribution to the club.
“But secondly, (it’s) for the football department to begin the extensive exercise of finding a suitable replacement ahead of the 2025/26 season.
“We appreciate the three years of service that Jose has given this institution, and fully support his decision.
“Wherever his journey takes him, he must know that the Orlando Pirates family will always be behind him.”
An early tribute on the Pirates website to the 47-year-old Riveiro, in part, read: “He has given the Pirates supporters more than just victories; he gave them a reason to dream again.
“And now, as the end of the season draws near, so does the reality that this incredible chapter is coming to a close.
“But the story isn’t over yet. There are still games to be played, memories to make, and moments to cherish.”
After Tuesday’s clash against MC Alger in the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-final in Algiers, Pirates arrived in Johannesburg on Thursday morning.
Afterwards, they travelled to Limpopo to prepare for their Premiership clash against Polokwane at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Then next Wednesday, they will host Alger in the return leg at the Orlando Stadium (6pm).