Riveiro and Pirates set to part ways early

by Staff Reporter

Monday May 12, 2025. 13:00

Orlando Pirates have confirmed that the club has granted head coach Jose Riveiro an early release from his contract, with his final game in charge of the club to come against Lamontville Golden Arrows on Tuesday.

This is according to a statement released by the club on their official website.

Riveiro’s contract was initially scheduled to expire at the end of June 2025, with the Spaniard and the club agreeing to part ways at the contract’s end.

Dr Irvin Khoza, Orlando Pirates’ chairman, stated that Riveiro approached the club a few weeks ago, requesting to be released from his contract early as he had signed with a new club.

“Given the timing; amidst a series of crucial fixtures – we believed it was best to delay this announcement until after the Nedbank Cup Final. His contribution since joining the Club has been immense. We learned a lot from him, and he learned a lot from us,” said Dr Khoza in the club’s statement

“While we would have preferred to formally honour him with a proper send-off, we fully respect his decision to depart before the end of his tenure,” he said.

Riveiro left some parting words in the statement released by the club.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to Orlando Pirates for allowing me the opportunity to leave before the end of my contract. As someone who has never found goodbyes easy, this moment is particularly emotional for me,” said Riveiro, speaking to orlandopiratesfc.com.

“I am deeply grateful to everyone at the Club – from management and technical staff to the players and the many individuals behind the scenes who work tirelessly to support the team.

“To the players, thank you for believing in the journey we shared and for giving everything on the pitch. And to the supporters. When I first arrived, I challenged you to come out in your numbers and rally behind your team. You did that, and more. You turned every match into a moment to remember, and your passion is something I will carry with me forever,” he said.

According to the Pirates, assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi will take the reins as interim head coach.

By Nic Gleeson