Orlando Pirates has confirmed that head coach Jose Riveiro will leave the club before his contract runs up.
His contract was initially set to expire end of June 2025. He is set to be on the bench for the last time on Tuesday when they take on Golden Arrows.
Pirates were edged by arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the final of the Nedbank Cup on Saturday, 10 May.
The Spanish coach had a successful spell with the Sea Robbers, reaching the semifinals of the CAF Champions League and winning five trophies since his arrival in June 2022.
According to the statement that was released on the club’s website on Monday, the coach requested the early release weeks ago after signing with a new club.
Club chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza said, “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.”
Riveiro expressed his gratitude to the team,“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.
Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that Head Coach Jose Riveiro will be on the bench for the final time when the team hosts Golden Arrows on Tuesday evening.
The Club has granted Coach Riveiro an early release from his contract, which was originally set to run until the end of June 2025.
Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza confirms: “Jose approached us a few weeks ago with a request to be released from his contract ahead of schedule, having 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.
“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.”
Coach Riveiro leaves behind a legacy of excellence, having written his name into the history books of the Club with a remarkable coaching record and a string of silverware.
Speaking to orlandopiratesfc.com, Jose Riveiro said: “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.
“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.
“Thank you for allowing me to be part of this great Club’s story.”
As this chapter comes to a close, we call upon the Ghost to come out in their numbers to the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night for our Betway Premiership encounter against Golden Arrows to bid our Spanish Guitar farewell.
The remaining matches of the season will be overseen by Assistant Coach Mandla Ncikazi, who will take charge of the team on an interim basis. He will be supported by Head Performance Analyst Rayaan Jacobs and the rest of the Club’s technical and support staff.