Orlando Pirates’ Jose Riveiro to walk away?

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A cloud of uncertainty hangs over Orlando Pirates, carrying the potential for significant ramifications.

The Soweto giants have been restored to winnings ways under Jose Riveiro, who’s collected five trophies in three years; however, the league title remains elusive.

With Riveiro’s contract concluding on June 31, Orlando Pirates have made several attempts to tie down the Spanish native, who remains reluctant to put pen to paper, informing the club that he will decide after the season.

Why would Jose want to leave?

Riveiro is highly regarded among the Orlando Pirates ranks, begging the question: In a world where coaches come and go like seasons in the year, why leave when you have something so secure?

But, for the 49-year-old, the decision is bigger than soccer – it’s about family.

The Buccaneers boss left his wife and daughter in Spain when he arrived in Soweto in 2021, and has since been struggling with the separation, distracted by the mission of ending Orlando Pirates’ thirteen-year PSL drought.

However, three years on and five trophies later, there may be a sense of satisfaction that deems it enough to return home, knowing he revived one of Africa’s biggest clubs, albeit missing out on league glory.

According to reports, Orlando Pirates have tabled an additional three-year deal – Riveiro is yet to bite.

One could argue that six years of family separation may be too much for someone already feeling the brunt. Only time will tell what unfolds; however, whatever happens, he will go down as one of Orlando Pirates’ most successful managers.