Just two days after Orlando Pirates lost to Kaizer Chiefs in the final of the Nedbank Cup, their coach Jose Riveiro has requested an early release from the Buccaneers.
Previously, the Spaniard had told the Pirates management that he was going to leave the team at the end of the season.
“Jose approached us a few weeks ago with a request to be released from his contract ahead of schedule, having signed with a new club,” Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza said on Monday morning.
“Given the timing, amidst a series of crucial fixtures, we believed it was best to delay this announcement until after the Nedbank Cup final. His contribution since joining the club has been immense. We learned a lot from him and he learned a lot from us. While we would have preferred to formally honour him with a proper send-off, we fully respect his decision to depart before the end of his tenure.”
The 49-year-old Riveiro from Vigo in Spain has thanked the Buccaneers for not standing in his way after he asked to leave early.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to Orlando Pirates for allowing me the opportunity to leave before the end of my contract. As someone who has never found goodbyes easy, this moment is particularly emotional for me,” Riveiro said.
“I am deeply grateful to everyone at the club, from management and technical staff to the players and the many individuals behind the scenes who work tirelessly to support the team.
“To the players, thank you for believing in the journey we shared and for giving everything on the pitch. And to the supporters, when I first arrived, I challenged you to come out in your numbers and rally behind your team. You did that and more. You turned every match into a moment to remember and your passion is something I will carry with me forever. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this great club’s story.”
Riveiro, who is believed to have signed a contract with Egyptian giants Al Ahly, won five trophies since joining the Buccaneers in June 2022.
Meanwhile, Riveiro’s will be on the bench for the last time when Pirates host Lamontville Golden Arrows at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Tuesday evening
And thereafter, Mandla Ncikazi is going to be in charge of the Buccaneers until the end of the season. Ncikazi will be assisted by Rayaan Jacobs.
