Spanish trainer Jose Riveiro played his last game for Orlando Pirates in the South African Premier League on Tuesday as he depart the club for a new challenge.
Riveiro sat on the bench for the last time when his outfit cruised to a resounding 3-0 win over Golden Arrows in a highly competitive clash.
The Spanish tactician requested an early termination of his contract, originally valid until June 2025. Having granted his request, assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi will assume interim leadership through the season’s conclusion as the Soweto giants begin their search for a permanent replacement.
“Coach Riveiro approached us weeks ago seeking an early release. Considering our critical fixtures, we mutually agreed to postpone this announcement until after the Nedbank Cup final. His tenure brought valuable knowledge exchange – we gained as much from him as he did from our organization” Pirates chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza disclosed.
Riveiro’s departure marks the end of an era that saw Pirates compete across multiple fronts, though recent results have seen the team’s form dip significantly in the campaign’s closing stages.
Meanwhile, the Spanish gaffer is expected to arrive in Cairo on Wednesday to officially open negotiation over the vacant coaching job.
The Egyptian powerhouse is currently without a substantive coach following the sacking of Marcel Koller few weeks ago. Koller was shown the exit door after failing to snap CAF Champions League final spot.
Reports in Egypt suggest that Al Ahly are offering Riveiro and his backroom staff 135,000 USD monthly, almost half of Koller’s salary during his spell at the club.
