Jose Riveiro to Leave Orlando Pirates - Coach Explains Timing of Announcement

With four cup trophies to his name so far, Riveiro’s reputation at Pirates is excellent and his departure comes as a real blow. The club is still in with a shout of lifting the Nedbank Cup, CAF Champions League or the Betway Premiership between now and May. 

The club’s statement was as follows:

“His professionalism and commitment to the Club’s best interests prompted a timely announcement, ensuring business as usual for the remainder of the season while simultaneously creating an opportunity for the Club to prepare for the future.

“In accordance with the coach’s wishes, the Club will refrain from making detailed pronouncements at this time, reserving comprehensive tributes for a more appropriate occasion.”

The coach issued a statement to explain why his departure has been announced now. He admitted that he would have preferred to break the news at a late date.

Jose Riveiro said: “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 are given time to do so.”

Pirates play Polokwane City on Saturday and then host MC Alger in the CAF Champions League quarter-final second leg on Wednesday next week. 

Orlando Pirates Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza has made a public announcement on Jose Riveiro’s departure. Dr. Khoza admitted that he wanted to keep the coach at Pirates for longer. 

The statement read as follows:

“While we would have liked José 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.

“The achievements of the intervening years speak for themselves. The joy that José 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 José and his contribution to the Club but secondly, 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 José 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.”