Jose Riverio finally revealed why he’s leaving.
Earlier this week, Orlando Pirates announced that coach Jose Riveiro will not renew his contract when it expires at the end of this season.
It was some shocking news for a coach who had revitalised the Buccaneers and gave hope of winning many trophies with them.
However, former Pirates midfielder and assistant coach Teboho Moloi is refusing to cry over Riveiro’s imminent departure.
WHAT MOLOI SAID
“It came as a shock and surprise for me. I will be honest, I didn’t see it coming because of what he has built and how he integrated himself into the history that goes with the team,” said Moloi on Radio 2000 as per FARPost.
“You know, I always hear everybody saying that he has introduced youngsters and given them a chance. But if you follow the history of the club, you will understand that youngsters have been the cornerstone of the team since the days of Ace Khuse before he went to Kaizer Chiefs.
“For me, I still don’t know how to come to terms with it. If you are a good follower of Orlando Pirates, history will always tell you that all the good coaches somehow end up leaving. Coaches like Tony Sanderson, Ruud Krol, and Gordon Igesund. This is one ship [Orlando Pirates] that has seen it all,” added the former Bucs player and assistant coach.
“As much as I’m shocked, I still have hope, and I know the ship is in the steady waters, but it will still sail.”
After winning three MTN8 titles as well as the Nedbank Cup twice, Riveiro established the Buccaneers as specialists in knockout competitions.
That puts his successor under pressure to maintain the momentum in Cup games.
Pitso Mosimane is reportedly the leading candidate to take over from Riveiro and the Pirates job would present him with a huge challenge to be successful.
WHAT NEXT FOR RIVEIRO?
To set the bar too high for his successor, Riveiro could help Pirates win the Caf Champions League for the first time since 1995.
He could also guide the Soweto giants to the first Premier Soccer League title since 2012, as well as lead them to a third successive Nedbank Cup.
