Jose Riveiro is being closely linked with a potential move to the Finnish national team as he prepares to part ways with South African giants Orlando Pirates at the end of the current season.
The Spanish coach is reportedly on the radar of the Football Association of Finland, with growing speculation suggesting he could take over the national side in the near future.
According to sources cited by Sportswire, Riveiro is under serious consideration, especially following the appointment of his former assistant, Sergio Almenara, as part of the Finnish national team’s technical staff.
Almenara, who worked alongside Riveiro at Pirates and previously at Finnish club Inter Turku, was recently named set-piece coach under new Finland head coach Jacob Friis.
The Danish manager took charge following the end of Finland’s UEFA Euro 2024 qualification campaign. Almenara had left Pirates at the conclusion of the 2023/24 Betway Premiership season, citing family-related challenges during his time in South Africa.
Riveiro’s own relationship with Finland runs deep. Before his 2022 move to Orlando Pirates, he spent several seasons coaching in Finland’s top division, most notably with Inter Turku.
It was during that tenure that he formed a strong professional partnership with Almenara—one that could now be rekindled on the international stage.
Despite his success with Orlando Pirates, Riveiro’s future has long been a topic of speculation.
The Soweto-based club confirmed that he will leave once his contract expires at the end of the season. Sources close to the coach suggest that prolonged periods away from his family, who remain based in Finland, have weighed heavily on his decision not to renew.
Since taking charge in June 2022, Riveiro has carved out an impressive legacy at Pirates.
He has guided the team to five major trophies, including three consecutive MTN8 titles, making him one of the most decorated coaches in the club’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) history.
Under his leadership, the Buccaneers are also eyeing a third straight Nedbank Cup triumph and remain in contention for the Betway Premiership title.
Although Pirates currently trail Mamelodi Sundowns by 15 points, they have four matches in hand—keeping their title hopes mathematically alive.
Moreover, their impressive run in continental competition has further bolstered Riveiro’s credentials.
The team recently defeated MC Alger 1-0 away from home in the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-finals, setting a new club record with 11 unbeaten matches in the tournament.
The return leg, set to be played at Orlando Stadium, presents a strong opportunity for Pirates to reach the semi-finals.
Riveiro’s anticipated departure is already being met with disappointment among the Pirates faithful, who view him as a transformative figure within the club.
His achievements, tactical acumen, and calm leadership have earned him both domestic and continental respect.
As Finland looks to rebuild and re-energise its national team, the possibility of appointing a coach with Riveiro’s international and developmental pedigree could be an appealing prospect.
With his exit from Pirates now imminent and ties to Finnish football well-established, the path to a new chapter on the international stage may be opening for the Spanish tactician.
