Sorry, Bucs! Jose Riveiro set to step down as Orlando Pirates head coach after three seasons

Orlando Pirates have confirmed that their head coach, Jose Riveiro, will be stepping down from his position at the end of the current season.

After so much speculation on his future, the club has now announced that the tactician will be leaving.

The Sea Robbers have praised their coach's professionalism and commitment to the club during his time with the Soweto giants and said they will not make further comments regarding the matter.

"Orlando Pirates Football Club can reveal that José Riveiro will be stepping down from his position as head coach at the end of the season," a club statement read.

"José Riveiro has informed management of his decision not to renew his contract beyond its current term. The Spanish mentor’s contract is due to expire at the end of this current campaign.

"His professionalism and commitment to the club’s best interests prompted a timely announcement, ensuring business as usual for the remainder of the season while simultaneously creating an opportunity for the club to prepare for the future.

"In accordance with the coach’s wishes, the club will refrain from making detailed pronouncements at this time, reserving comprehensive tributes for a more appropriate occasion," Pirates concluded.

The club's chairman, Irvin Khoza, said the club's wish was to see Riveiro extend his contract, but his decision to leave will be respected.

“While we would have liked Jose to extend his stay with us, at the same time, we fully respect his decision. We are grateful for everything he has done for the club," Khoza stated.

“The achievements of the intervening years speak for themselves. The joy that José and his support staff have brought to this club will never be forgotten.

“The club’s immediate priority will be twofold. Firstly, in keeping with his wishes, we will find the appropriate time to fully express our appreciation of José and his contribution to the club, but secondly, for the football department to begin the extensive exercise of finding a suitable replacement ahead of the 2025/26 season," he added.

“We appreciate the three years of service that José has given this institution and fully support his decision. Wherever his journey takes him, he must know that the Orlando Pirates family will always be behind him.

Due to the club’s involvement in three crucial competitions, further news on this matter will be addressed at the end of the season. For the next two months, the club appeals to the supporters to fully support the coach and his team," the chair concluded.

Riveiro's exit is expected to be received with shock by the club's fans, following the timing and even what he helped the Sea Robbers achieve.

The Spanish tactician led the Bucs to three MTN8 trophies, a record that has not been achieved by anyother team. In his cabinet trophy are also two Nedbank Cups.

He has also led Pirates to the Caf Champions League quarter-final for the first time since 2013.

His exit comes at a time considered crucial in the Pirates season; they are in contention for the PSL and Champions League titles as well as on course to defend the Nedbank Cup.

This news has hit the Pirates' fanbase after a win over MC Alger in the Champions League's first-leg encounter.

With Riveiro's exit now confirmed, the fans will be eager to see who will finally be appointed to take over in the next season.

After a rather successful stint with the Sea Robbers, the next coach will be judged based on how he performs as compared to Riveiro.