Orlando Pirates confirmed last week that their head coach, Jose Riveiro, will be leaving at the end of the current season.
This news was met with disappointment by many Buccaneers supporters who had hoped he would remain with the club beyond this season.
Despite this disappointment, Riveiro's decision might not be entirely surprising, considering his earlier comments suggesting that he doesn't believe in coaches staying at one club for more than three seasons.
Riveiro made this statement about his preferred coaching tenure when he departed his previous club, Inter Turku, before taking charge at Pirates. He has certainly stayed true to his word.
RIVEIRO STAYED TRUE TO HIS WORD ABOUT SPENDING ONLY 3 YEARS AT THE CLUB
“Firstly, I don't think that as a coach you have to spend more than three years in the same place,” Riveiro said after leaving his previous job at Inter Turku in Finland.
“For me, it (three years) is the maximum with exceptions of course, depending on the club philosophy and how much you renovate the squad year after year, and like I said before, how ambitious that club is to make every year different.”
IT MIGHT BE THE RIGHT TIME FOR HIM TO LEAVE, BUT NOT FOR PIRATES
Why is a good time for him as an individual to leave?
While Riveiro's impending exit from Pirates might be a beneficial step for his career, potentially leading him back to Europe, it's likely a disappointment for the “Sea Robbers,” who were eager to continue their positive development under his leadership.
Kaizer Chiefs team manager Bobby Motaung recently shared his perspective in a video, suggesting that Riveiro has successfully built his profile and CV, making him an attractive prospect for European clubs seeking new gigs in his continent.
Motaung recalled a similar scenario with former Amakhosi coach Stuart Baxter, who left after a successful tenure with Chiefs from 2012 to 2015, having also enhanced his profile.
“You see the Pirates coach is leaving next season, they have to start from fresh, we are not changing anything next season,” Motaung is seen saying in the video.
“You see if that coach … remember Stuart Baxter did us like this, he gave us three seasons and when he saw his profile was right what did he do? Thats how it is, this thing needs balls.”
Furthermore, Riveiro has been living separately from his family, who are based in Finland. As a husband and father, the need to be closer to his wife and daughter is undoubtedly another key factor influencing his departure.
Why Riveiro’s exit isn’t good for Pirates?
Pirates could face a significant impact from the departure of Riveiro, given the strong bond and understanding he cultivated with his squad, encompassing both young and experienced players.
In a short period, Riveiro transformed “Ezimnyama Ngenkani” into a formidable force, notably challenging Mamelodi Sundowns' dominance by winning three consecutive MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups in a row.
The ‘Spanish guitar' is also highly commended for his successful integration of young talent into the first team, having promoted several youngsters who have since become regular starters and Bafana Bafana internationals.
The big unknown is whether Riveiro's replacement will be able to match his success. Orlando Pirates face a crucial decision in appointing a new coach for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign.
Riveiro leaves behind a strong legacy, having overseen 224 matches for the club, securing 134 victories, 33 draws, and suffering 57 defeats.
