Jose Riveiro Eyes Strong Finish Before Exiting Pirates

Orlando Pirates head coach, Jose Riveiro, will step down at the end of the 2024/25 season, closing a silver-lined chapter that has seen him lift at least one trophy every year since his arrival at the club.

Though the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title remains elusive, the 49-year-old Spaniard has guided the Buccaneers to consistent success – including an MTN8 triumph this season – and now sets his sights on the Nedbank Cup Final against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, 10 May.

It will be his third consecutive PSL final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Pirates also remain in the hunt to snatch the DStv Premiership from Mamelodi Sundowns in a late title charge.

The Bucs’ 2-1 Soweto Derby victory over Kaizer Chiefs last weekend highlights not just tactical skill – Riveiro has won five of six derbies – but also a youth-driven future; Starters Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota and Mbekezeli Mbokazi (all under 21) were joined by several young substitutes, a sign of trust and long-term vision.

“I am giving them the opportunities by putting them on the field because they are showing every week on the training field that they want the opportunity and they are prepared,” Riveiro said during a post-match interview.

As the Sea Robbers’ commander prepares for one final shot at glory, he leaves behind a revitalised side bursting with potential.

“All of us are proud of them,” said Riveiro, while praising their resilience and team cohesion during a set of challenging fixtures.

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