In a surprising turn of events, Orlando Pirates head coach José Riveiro has announced his departure from the club. This news has sent shockwaves through the South African football community, particularly given the timing—just days after the team successfully defended their Nedbank Cup title with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns【6†source】【7†source】.
Riveiro, who joined the Pirates in 2022, has had a mixed tenure. Despite securing significant victories and helping the team qualify twice for the CAF Champions League, his overall performance fell short of the club’s lofty expectations. The announcement of his departure was followed by statements from club officials emphasizing the need for new leadership to achieve their goals【6†source】【7†source】.
The circumstances surrounding his departure are shrouded in controversy. There are allegations of his involvement in an illegal deal that violated league regulations, leading to his suspension by the league pending further investigation【9†source】. This development has left the Pirates in a period of transition as they search for a new head coach to lead the team forward【9†source】.
Riveiro expressed his gratitude to the fans and the organization, stating that while his tenure did not yield the desired results, he was proud of the efforts and dedication shown by everyone involved. The club, meanwhile, is focused on addressing the issues that led to his departure and rebuilding trust among its supporters【7†source】【9†source】.
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