Normally in South African football, when a coach leaves a club, the announcement from the club coincides with the immediate departure of a tactician.
Strangely, Orlando Pirates made the announcement that José Riveiro would be leaving the club last month— over two months before his exit.
It was also a shock that Riveiro would not be renewing his contract at the end of the season after three extremely successful years at Pirates.
Since joining the Soweto Giants in 2022, Pirates have finished runners-up in the league twice and won four cup titles (two Nedbank Cup, two MTN8).
Riveiro Highlights Transparency to Curb Speculation Ahead of Season Finale
While it would have been expected that Riveiro would simply renew, the coach said the aim was to prevent any rumours from starting.
“I think it [the announcement] is a good way to avoid the speculation,” Riveiro said.
“It is a good way to keep our home under control. At the same time, it was a movement of transparency from our club. I don’t know if it was the first time [in SA football], but it probably is not going to be the last time.
“I think it is a good way to understand the situation of the club, the situation of the coach in this case, to give us an opportunity as coaches, as football players, for the team to be focused on the last part of the season. I’m happy about how the club handled this situation.”
Of course, another second-place finish in the Betway Premiership seems guaranteed as Mamelodi Sundowns are on course for their eighth league title in a row.
@Michael_Sherman
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