Orlando Pirates marked the end of an era for their head coach, Jose Riveiro, with a resounding 3-0 victory over Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday night.
Riveiro sat on the bench for the last time for the Houghton-based side as he’s set to step aside from his coaching role.
Pirates switched their focus to the league action after suffering a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium this past weekend.
The Soweto giants welcomed Arrows at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night, looking to return to winning ways. Meanwhile, the encounter against Abafana Bes’thende was significant for Pirates fans and management as they bid farewell to their coach, Riveiro.
On Monday morning, Pirates made an announcement that Riveiro requested to be released from his contract to join a new club before the expiry of his contract in June 2025.
The assistant coach, Mandla Ncikazi, will assume the coaching role on an interim basis for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign.
In the past 24 hours, reports have been linking the Spanish tactician with the vacant job at the Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
JOSE IS REPORTEDLY ON HIS WAY TO AL AHLY
The Egyptian media outlet, Yalla Kora, reported that the highly-rated coach will arrive in North Africa this week to finalise his move to the Red Devils.
Riveiro is leaving Pirates with a remarkable record after winning five domestic trophies since joining the club in July 2022. The 49-year-old won three MTN8 trophies and two Nedbank Cup titles.
In a bid to give their coach a perfect send-off, the Ghosts had an impressive start to the match against the KZN side, Arrows, creating most of the scoring chances.
Pirates broke the deadlock in the 16th after Relebohile Mofokeng produced dazzling skills in the box to assist Tshegofatso Mabasa, who converted with his weaker right foot.
After going into the half-time break leading 1-0, Pirates came to the second-half high on confidence, looking for more goals.
Bandile Shandu scored a second goal for Pirates in the 60th minute. Shortly after, Kabelo Dlamini scored a sublime free-kick in the 65th minute to give the Sea Robbers a convincing 3-0 win.
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