Jose Riveiro is approaching the last six months of his contract at Orlando Pirates with an update finally given!
Riveiro joined Pirates ahead of the 2022/23 season and has gone on to have success with the Soweto giants!
Back then, the little known Spanish mentor signed a three-year deal with Pirates. Upon arrivals he was immediately questioned about his credentials, including being prematurely labeled a plumber. But Riveiro has had the last laugh, winning a trophy in every season he has been at the Buccaneers for.
Riveiro has been successful at Pirates
Overall, Riveiro has won five trophies as Pirates coach. Three MTN8 titles as well as two Nedbank Cup trophies. What has made the feat even more impressive is the fact that they have come back-to-back. He helped the Ghosts create history, being the first team to win the MTN8 trophy three times in a row. This season, he led Pirates into the group stages of the Champions League for the first time in his tenure.
Despite all of that success, there have been very few updates on his contract situation. This even though he effectively becomes a free agent at the end of the current season. Now according to KickOff.com Riveiro has been given no guarantees over a new deal just yet at Pirates.
“The instability around the Orlando Pirates technical team has created doubts over whether head coach Jose Riveiro would stay beyond the 2024/25 season. In spite of the backing from The Buccaneers supporters, Riveiro is yet to get guarantees over his future, with his contract running out at the end of June 2025. Even though it could appear that it should be routine for the Spanish coach to renew his contract, given his success, the recent departures of technical team members at the club has raised eyebrows. Although there is nothing to suggest Riveiro is not enjoying a cordial relationship with the hierarchy at Ezimnyama, winning the Betway Premiership could complicate negotiations over a contract extension, as the Spanish coach could attract interest from overseas clubs.” Wrote the publication
New contract not guaranteed?
“It goes on to further suggest that a possible financial situation could brew should Riveiro lead Pirates to league victory. Even though Riveiro has trophies to back his extended stay at Pirates, it appears it would be easier said than done to dot the i’s and cross the t’s on a new deal, especially if he becomes the First Buccaneer coach to win a league trophy since the 2011/12 campaign.”said the source.
Pirates fans, would you be concerned if Riveiro didn’t extend his deal at the club? Feel free to leave your thoughts and feelings below.
