sportskeeda
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is unconcerned about the club’s future for the next season, highlighting that the team’s development is part of a larger strategy aimed at attracting a suitable successor.
Riveiro is set to depart the club at the end of his three-year term, during which the squad has experienced notable progress this season.
Pirates are on track to achieve their highest points total under Riveiro, having gathered 52 points from just 23 matches, capped by their comeback 2-1 victory over Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday.
In Riveiro’s inaugural season, Pirates earned 54 points, followed by 50 points in the subsequent season. With 52 points already achieved and five matches remaining, they are poised to surpass both previous totals in Riveiro’s final campaign.
Furthermore, Pirates reached the CAF Champions League semi-finals this season, reflecting significant progress after not advancing past the preliminary rounds last year. This advancement, along with the opportunity to secure another domestic cup double for the third consecutive year under the Spanish coach, highlights a sustained era of success.
The exit of a successful coach can lead to concerns regarding the new manager’s approach and the potential risk of disrupting the team’s progress. New appointments may initiate substantial changes in playing style and player personnel, which could jeopardize the momentum achieved under Riveiro.
“Did you catch my earlier response?” Riveiro remarked when asked about continuity during the post-match press conference on Tuesday. “This is a club initiative, not solely Riveiro’s vision. I have addressed this question many times. The club is aware of their direction. Whoever is appointed will be an ideal fit.
“They will receive significant backing and will find themselves in a strong position to pick up where we leave off at the end of the season. Football operates in cycles, and Orlando Pirates is an important institution; nothing will change simply because Riveiro is here or not. The Buccaneers [Pirates fans] need not have concerns as the future looks promising for the club, and it will be more than satisfactory.”
Even though the team has progressed this season, it appears unlikely that Pirates will overtake Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership title race, as Sundowns are on the verge of securing their eighth consecutive league championship.
Pirates now shift their focus to the Nedbank Cup final against Kaizer Chiefs at the Durban venue on Saturday, aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive win in this tournament.
