Josè Riveiro/ Picture: X(formerly Twitter)
There appears to be trouble in Orlando Pirates paradise after the Soweto Giants struggled to secure a convincing win over a 10-manned Stellenbosch FC side, and fans say their long-time coach and leader Josè Riveiro is to blame.
Orlando Pirates’ most recent clash with Stellenbosch has uncovered some opinions and feelings that fans have been harbouring for some time. This comes as the league officially slipping away to Mamelodi Sundowns becomes more of a reality for the Soweto Giants, who have failed to keep themselves in the running.
According to some fans, the results of this game and the club’s failure to win when it matters the most can be attributed to coach Josè Riveiro’s consistent failure to make the right call, despite his standing as Orlando Pirates’ longest-serving coach. These fans question decisions such as Josè opting to play the club’s young phenomenon Rele Mofokeng despite him exhibiting signs of fatigue, while players such as Moleleki relish the opportunity to step on the field.
My problem with Jose Riveiro, we can clearly see Rele is tired, there’s a player like Moleleki on the bench.
But he’d rather Saka him
— Loui’🔴 (@KiiNG_18) March 5, 2025
Haha I did say this last season, Jose Riveiro is not the guy to win us the league and even though I had little faith in the first round of the season, I quickly gave up as early as January.
Other things are clear https://t.co/SB3Xar2ttZ
— Loui’🔴 (@KiiNG_18) March 12, 2025
José Riveiro is the only coach who would randomly sub a RB and CB when leading, sub a striker for another striker when loosing, i hate that nonsense, u won’t see Pep or any other coach doing this
— ⚬KING CALO⚬ (@SCALO91) March 9, 2025
However, loyal Orlando Pirates and Jose fans have come out to rally behind the coach, as they cite his winning history as well as loyalty to the club. According to these users, the organisation and administration are the culprits to blame, as they failed to make the necessary moves to help Jose fulfil his responsibilities as a coach. They believe that the club’s decision not to add more pieces, in efforts to address the Saleng issue that has made headlines, has resulted in the club’s unfavourable fate.
That time their management is stringy and they’re behaving like spoiled brats. We are behind Jose Riveiro. He is in our prayers during this difficult period. https://t.co/aBm1w6aJG3
— Nenekwelive Mtimandze (@Nenekwelive_) March 12, 2025
You failed and sabotaged Jose Riveiro’s hard work @orlandopirates… Not signing even 1 player in January, and failing to resolve the Monnapule Saleng issue was a failure Manene.
Now we find ourselves taking our fristrations out on Jose, kodwa nini who failed the poor Man
— 🏴☠️ TA SHANE 🇿🇦 (@Mdange_KaTshiw) March 11, 2025
After remaining with Orlando Pirates for three seasons, fans believe that he will not be returning as the club’s head coach next season as his contract is set to come to its close this June.
We need to accept that Coach José Riveiro is not coming back next season, this is his final season — we will need a new Coach soon.
— Rethabile. (@Rethabiiile) March 11, 2025
Also see: To Lekompo or not to Lekompo? Balcony mix event sparks controversy
