Timing of Jose Riveiro's exit announcement blamed for Orlando Pirates' struggles - 'Some players are aware they are favourites, so now they have to worry'

The recent poor Orlando Pirates run has been blamed on the timing of Jose Riveiro's early exit announcement as the head coach.

Pirates confirmed that the Spaniard will be leaving when the club had crucial games waiting ahead. According to Bruce Ramokadi, a Caf Champions League winner with Bucs in 1995, this affected the players psychologically.

"It's been three matches without a win for Pirates right now. The timing of the announcement about the coach's departure does affect the players because, as we all know, nobody likes changes," Ramokadi said, as per KickOff. 

"Some players are aware they are favourites of coach Riveiro, so now they have to worry about whether the next Pirates coach will feel the same way about them.

"This uncertainty plays a huge role in football, as you don't know what the future holds, and it can demoralise the team's spirit," he added.

The former Bucs star also touched on the loss to Sekhukhune United and stated that Riveiro should have rotated his squad.

"The loss to Pyramids in Egypt is still on the minds of the Pirates players. Against Sekhukhune, the coach should have played those who are hungrier for game time," the retired forward said.

"He should have rotated the team, especially with the Soweto Derby coming up on Saturday. He should have allowed his regular players some time to rest, particularly after the recent travels in the Caf Champions League.

"Fatigue is taking its toll. I understand the coach has a certain group of players he fully trusts, but the truth is, fatigue is beginning to impact his trusted players," Ramokadi concluded.

Pirates will be keen to bounce back from the recent setbacks - the Caf Champions League exit and the loss to Sekhukhune - and must do this against Kaizer Chiefs.

Although their chances of winning the Premier Soccer League title now lie in mathematical calculations, a win against Chiefs will up pressure on Mamelodi Sundowns.

Pirates will be hosted by Chiefs on Saturday for a league clash at the FNB Stadium.

On May 10, there will be a crunch duel between the two traditional Soweto rivals where they will fight for the Nedbank Cup.