Outgoing Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has shed light on his decision to remain silent about his next club, revealing the reason why he cannot yet make an announcement amidst the swirling speculation.
Riveiro’s final match as Pirates head coach ended with a resounding 3-0 victory against Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night, a perfect send-off.
This win, secured with goals from Tshegofatso Mabasa, Bandile Shandu, and Kabelo Dlamini, keeps Pirates’ title hopes alive mathematically, though Mamelodi Sundowns need just one point from their remaining two games to clinch the league.
While Pirates had previously announced Riveiro’s end-of-season departure upon contract expiry, the club revealed on Monday that Riveiro requested an early release due to signing with a new club. Pirates chairperson Irvin Khoza stated the announcement of the coach’s departure was delayed until after the Nedbank Cup final due to the crucial fixtures.
CONFIDENTIALITY PREVENTS RIVEIRO FROM REVEALING NEXT CLUB AMID AL AHLY LINKS
Despite reports linking him to the Al Ahly coaching position, José Riveiro explained he cannot disclose his next club due to confidentiality. He also emphasised that the official announcement will be made by his new team soon.
“I cannot tell you if it is not announced, I cannot tell you,” said Riveiro in his final post-match press conference as Pirates coach. “I have this confidentiality thing. So it is not my role, my responsibility to announce, but I think it is going to be very soon.
“But moving to a different place is not easy… this move is an opportunity to challenge myself, to test myself. I’m not really thinking about what the outcome is going to be; the intention is to fight for the best as usual, but let’s see.
Over his impactful three-year tenure, Riveiro etched his name in SA football history, leading Pirates to five trophies: three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups. His success also extended to the continental stage, guiding Pirates to the CAF Champions League semi-finals.
Domestically, he twice pushed eventual champions Mamelodi Sundowns to the wire, finishing as league runners-up on two occasions, with this season poised to mark their third such finish.
RELATED STORY: Pirates give Jose Riveiro perfect send off with victory over Arrows