READ: Orlando Pirates Grant Early Contract Release to Head Coach Jose Riveiro
- Prime Time
- May 13
- 1 min read
Johannesburg, May 12, 2025 – Orlando Pirates Football Club has announced that head coach Jose Riveiro has been granted an early release from his contract, which was originally set to expire at the end of June 2025. The Spanish tactician will take charge of the team for the final time during their Betway Premiership match against Golden Arrows on Tuesday evening.

Riveiro, who joined the Soweto giants in June 2022, has been a transformative figure for the club. Over his tenure, he led Orlando Pirates to five major trophies, including three consecutive MTN8 titles (2022, 2023, 2024) and two Nedbank Cup titles (2023, 2024). His leadership also saw the team secure second place in the South African Premier Division during his first season, earning qualification for the CAF Champions League.
The decision to release Riveiro early comes after the coach requested to depart ahead of schedule, having reportedly signed with a new club. Orlando Pirates chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza confirmed that Riveiro approached the club weeks ago with the request, but the announcement was delayed until after the Nedbank Cup final, where Pirates suffered a 2-1 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs.
Assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi will take charge of the team on an interim basis for the remaining matches of the 2024-2025 season, supported by head performance analyst Rayaan Jacobs and the club’s technical staff.
Riveiro’s departure marks the end of a successful era for Orlando Pirates, with the club acknowledging his significant contributions to their recent achievements. Further details regarding his next destination have not been disclosed.
Commenti