Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Michael Morton implied that Jose Riveiro‘s announcement of his departure from the club mid-season might have affected the Buccaneers.
The 49-year-old Spanish coach has had a great three-year stint at Pirates, winning five trophies in six finals. Last month, Riveiro dropped a bombshell when he announced that he won’t be renewing his contract at the end of the season when his contract expires.
At the time, Orlando Pirates were in a hunt for a treble, having already won the MTN8. The Soweto giants were already in the CAF Champions League and still in a chance to win the Betway Premiership.
Everything seemed to have collapsed when Riveiro’s men were knocked out in the CAF CL semi-final by Egyptian side Pyramids. After that, Pirates slumped to a shock 1-0 defeat to Sekhukhune United, which all but ended their title hopes.
This past weekend, the Sea Robberslost their first final under Riveiro following a 2-1 loss to rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
Orlando Pirates lost a few matches but those defeats came at a cost
Speaking on X (Twitter), Morton asked if coaches announcing their exit mid-season was a good idea.
“Two managers, two mid-season farewell announcements, two treble pursuits…both falling short. Perhaps announcing a farewell mid-season isn’t the best strategy”? The former Orlando Pirates star asked.
Many Bucs fans also felt Riveiro’s departure may have affected the players’ morale.
“The announcement was premature and as a result, it demoralised the team. Perhaps the coach should have waited until the end of the season,” tweeted @TSOliphant.
With only the MTN8 to show this season, Orlando Pirates will feel they could have deserved more, given how they played.
Did Jose Riveiro’s announcement kill Pirates momentum?
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