NABI NOT GOING ANYWHERE In a surprising turn of events, Jose Riveiro stepped down as Orlando Pirates coach despite a strong season, while Nasreddine Nabi continues to steer Kaizer Chiefs with a patient approach amid mixed results. Picture: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
It’s difficult to say how a Kaizer Chiefs fan would have reacted to the news on Thursday that Jose Riveiro will be stepping down as Orlando Pirates coach.
The immediate reaction would be shock, as Pirates are second in the Betway Premiership, and with their four games in hand, they have a real chance of hauling in table-topping Mamelodi Sundowns.
Riveiro’s contract was up at the end of the season, and he chose not to renew despite having led the side to two second-place finishes in the Betway Premiership and five cup titles (two Nedbank Cups and three MTN8 titles).
Late last month, Riveiro actually hinted that he may be leaving his post when he spoke on the Bucs Camp series.
“Football is something that is totally unexpected and difficult to predict and to know where we are going to find ourselves in a space of one month, or four months, or six, or one year. So let's rock for now,” said Riveiro.
Of course, hindsight is 20/20, and it’s easy to make the connection now.
However, when you compare the comments of Riveiro and Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi, the contrast is stark.
Nabi has consistently pleaded for patience as he attempts to turn around the fortunes of Chiefs.
The Mighty Amakhosi finished in a not-so-mighty 10th place on the log last season, which prompted the hiring of the Tunisian Nabi for the new campaign.
Their current log position? Eighth. Nabi has led the side in exactly 27 matches, having won 10, drawn five, and lost 12.
After he was appointed on a two-year contract on July 1, 2024, much was expected of Nabi. Though it can be argued that Chiefs are playing much better football now, the cold, hard reality is that the club’s fans are a fickle bunch with little patience.
For now, though, Chiefs fans will have at least another year and change with a coach they not even like, while that ‘plumber’ will march off into the sunset in Orlando with his head held high.
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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