Jose Riveiro Set for Exit After Successful Spell with Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro is preparing for a new challenge outside of South Africa after three trophy-laden seasons with the Soweto giants. The Spaniard, who joined the club in 2022, will be departing at the end of the current campaign, leaving behind a legacy of silverware and stability.
Since his arrival, Riveiro has guided the Buccaneers to five major trophies, including back-to-back MTN8 and Nedbank Cup titles. With another Nedbank Cup final looming against rivals Kaizer Chiefs, the Spaniard has the opportunity to bow out with a sixth title in just three seasons—an achievement that would further cement his reputation as one of the most effective foreign coaches in PSL history.
Beyond domestic success, Riveiro also took Pirates deep into continental competition, leading them to the CAF Champions League semi-finals this year before a narrow loss to Egyptian side Pyramids FC ended their run. His work has not gone unnoticed, with reports suggesting the 49-year-old is set to take on a new coaching challenge abroad.
Unsurprisingly, Pirates supporters have voiced concern over what the future holds once Riveiro exits. Under his guidance, the team has developed a clear playing identity, squad depth, and a winning mentality. However, the coach remains confident that the club is built to sustain success beyond his tenure.
“This is a club project, not a Riveiro project,” he told the media. “The club knows what they are doing. Whoever is coming is gonna be the right person and will have the support and will find himself in a good platform to continue where we’re going to stop at the end of the season.”
Riveiro added, “Football is a cycle, and Orlando Pirates is a huge institution. Nothing is going to change because Riveiro is in or out. The Buccaneers don’t need to be concerned about that because the future is brilliant for the club.”
With the PSL title race still mathematically open—albeit favouring Mamelodi Sundowns—and a Soweto Derby final awaiting on Saturday in the Nedbank Cup, Riveiro has one last opportunity to hand Pirates a major gift before his departure.
His legacy, regardless of Saturday’s result, is already etched into the club’s modern history. What now remains to be seen is who will take over the reins and whether they can sustain the momentum the Spaniard has created.
The spotlight now turns to the Pirates management team, who are expected to begin their search for Riveiro’s replacement immediately after the season concludes. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the new appointment can maintain the high standards set over the past three seasons.
