Pirates turn it on at Orlando to bid ‘padre' Jose Riveiro farewell in style
On an emotional night where they were bidding farewell to their ' padre ', Orlando Pirates produced a sensational performance over hapless Golden Arrows befitting the occasion.
They stepped it up in style with a domineering 3-0 Betway Premiership victory in the last match for outgoing coach Jose Riveiro at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night, thanks to goals from Tshegofatso Mabasa in the 16th minute, Bandile Shandu (61st) and Kabelo Dlamini (66th).
Riveiro, who won five cup competitions in three years, has been granted an early release from his contract to join a new club and this was the last time he sat on the bench, with Mandla Ncikazi set to take over their remaining four matches.
The players went out to do their warm-ups wearing T-shirts with messages of appreciation. The fans were not to be outdone as they displayed a huge banner in the west stand screaming: ' Muchas gracias padre Jose Riveiro por siempre una leyenda. '
Jose Riveiro's final message to the Orlando Pirates fans 🥹🎙️ #BetwayPrem | #SSDiski pic.twitter.com/9tIsI8Mut3
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 13, 2025
From Spanish, the banner translated to: 'Thank You father Jose Riveiro, always a legend.'
Riveiro will always have a special place in the hearts of the Buccaneers for bringing stability, trophies, improving players and most importantly giving opportunities to young players.
In this match, Riveiro handed a further debut to captain to Bucs' DStv Diski challenge side Cemran Dansin, 17, who replaced Dlamini in the 75th minute.
It was a good win for second-placed Pirates, but it is almost certain to not have an affect on the title race, which is almost won by Mamelodi Sundowns. The Brazilians need a point from their last two matches — and on form seem highly likely to get at least that against Chippa United at Buffalo City Stadium in East London on Wednesday night (7.30pm) — to be crowned champions for the eighth successive season.
The Jose Riveiro era comes to an end 🎬 #BetwayPrem | #SSDiski pic.twitter.com/tIUrBh4yPA
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 13, 2025
For Arrows, the defeat leaves them in danger as they are second-from-bottom on the standings and may be dragged into the dreaded play-offs at the end of the season.
Riveiro made three changes to the team that lost the Nedbank Cup final 2-1 to Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday with Shandu replacing Deano van Rooyen in defence.
In the middle of the park, Riveiro showed faith in young midfielder Simphiwe Selepe, who replaced Thalente Mbatha, and Dlamini came in for Patrick Maswanganyi.
In attack, Mabasa was preferred for Evidence Makgopa, who scored Bucs' only goal against Chiefs.
Rele's skill, Mabasa's finish 😮💨
The Bucs want to give Jose Riveiro the best send-off ✅
📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/2QwfxSf9Dh
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 13, 2025
Visiting coach Manqoba Mngqithi went with his tried and tested of players like Isima Watenga, Ayanda Jiyane, Velemseni Ndwandwe, Brando Theron and Nduduzo Sibiya.
Pirates opened the scoring when Mabasa found the back of the net from close range after Relebohile Mofokeng dribbled past Theron in the box. Mabasa, not a regular starter this season, ran more than half of the pitch to celebrate with Riveiro and the rest of the technical staff.
Pirates were turning it on and a few minutes later Shandu was unlucky as his shot struck the upright after it deflected off an Arrows defender as the scored remained 1-0.
Arrows responded with attack of their own that ended with Sibiya's shot striking upright with Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine beaten.
Pirates increased their lead when Shandu forced the ball into the net from a tight angle. Dlamini made it 3-0 with a delightful free-kick to effectively end the game as a contest.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
29 minutes ago
- The South African
WOW: Orlando Pirates announce SHOCK double player exit!
Orlando Pirates are moving quickly in efforts to rebuild their squad ahead of the next season with incomings and outgoings. Pirates have reportedly already signed at least five players, while the number of exits is also growing ahead of preseason. In recent weeks Pirates announced the departure of midfielder Miguel Timm. The second exit was the departure of captain Innocent Maela who could take up a different role at the club. Following that, the Buccaneers have announced the shock exit of full back duo Thabiso Monyane and Paseko Mako. Pirates confirmed the exits of Monyane and Mako in a post on their official social media platforms. '𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐁 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔 We bid farewell to Paseka Mako and @ThabisoJames_34. The Club thanks them for their commitment and contribution to @OrlandoPirates. Wishing them the very best in their next chapters. 𝐎𝐧𝐜𝐞.𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬' Wrote the post. Both exits come as a shock for different reasons. Monyane is a Pirates academy product and spent his entire full career at the club until date. In previous season he had been touted as a big prospect not only for the Buccaneers but for Bafana Bafana as well. However, he has seen his last two seasons blighted with injuries which. Have derailed his progress. Last season, the club also signed Deano van Rooyen which did not help his cause. Before and after that signing, he had seen his name linked with an exit from the club. Mako on the other hand was a very useful utility player for Pirates. In the end, he was their first choice left-back and seemed to establish himself as a regular. Therefore his release would've caught many off guard, Money played 94 times for Pirates, scoring four times with the same amount of assists. Mako played 173 times for the Sea Robbers, scoring twice while making eight assists. How do you feel about these exits Buccaneers? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- The Citizen
Tepid Bafana held by Tanzania
Hugo Broos' experimental Bafana side battled to break down Tanzania. Oswin Appollis was Bafana's best player in the first half. Picture: Alche Greeff/BackpagePix An experimental Bafana Bafana failed to spark against Tanzania in an unremarkable goalless draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday. ALSO READ: Orlando Pirates release Chiefs-linked defender Hugo Broos may well have got what he needed to out of watching several players making their Bafana debuts in this international friendly. And the Belgian's competitive record is spectacular enough to suggest it will be put to good use in September's Fifa World Cup qualifiers. Bafana struggle This was a painful watch in general, however, as Bafana laboured to break down a Tanzanian side that seemed content with a draw from kick off. Three players were handed their Bafana debuts from the start against Tanzania. Orlando Pirates pair Deano Van Rooyen and Simphiwe Selepe along with TS Galaxy's Khulumani Ndumane got their chance to shine on the international stage. It was one of Bafana's regulars, Oswin Appollis, who shone in the first half. In just the fourth minute, the Polokwane City forward pounced on a mistake in the Tanzania penalty area, but his effort was cleared off the line. On the half hour mark, a neat passing move found Thalente Mbatha in space on the edge of the box, but he fired way off target. And on the stroke of half time, it was Appollis who threatened again, his long-range strike comfortably saved by Tanzania goalkeeper Suleiman Ali. In truth, the first half was a difficult watch, with neither side really able to string too much together in the attacking third. Greater intent Bafana came out with far more intent after the break. Tshepang Moremi nearly latched onto Mbatha's fine long range pass. Moremi then saw his fizzing long-range effort tipped wide by Ali. ALSO READ: Rulani speaks out on Pirates rumours Broos rang the substitutions as the game wore on. Sekhukhune goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner replaced Ricardo Goss to make his Bafana debut. Pirates winger Mohau Nkota also got on the pitch for his debut, while Relebohile Mofokeng entered the field at the same time. And Mofokeng blew a great chance to score in stoppage time when he was gifted possession and chipped the ball over Ali but onto the roof of the net.
The South African
10 hours ago
- The South African
Mamelodi Sundowns to dismiss two new signings already
Mamelodi Sundowns are indeed heading into a new direction under coach Miguel Cardoso. The club have somewhat developed a reputation for holding onto players they no longer needed over recent years. That however is about to change! According to the latest reports, Cardoso has already seen enough of two players who recently joined the club! READ MORE • Rulani Mokwena to Orlando Pirates: Major update! READ MORE • Kaizer Chiefs set to hijack marquee Pirates transfer target! Mamelodi Sundowns look set to part ways with two 'new' players in the coming days. Defender Lucas Suarez, who joined the Brazilians in January 2025 on loan from CA Talleres, looks set to return back to Argentina. Mamelodi Sundowns had an option to purchase him however reports suggest the club have passed on it. Furthermore, midfielder Kobamelo Kodisang will also reportedly be offloaded by the club. The winger is only one-year into his five-year contract at the club however coach Miguel Cardoso has deemed him surplus to requirements at Mamelodi Sundowns. 'There are off the field issues that the club has tried to deal with away from the public and that's why you didn't see him making the team towards the end of last season. From what I have been told, it looks like there's no way back for him and he will definitely leave Mamelodi Sundowns,' an insider told Citizen regarding Kodisang. READ MORE • Orlando Pirates beat Kaizer Chiefs to star PSL signing! Which other players do you think are surplus to requirements at Mamelodi Sundowns. Additionally which players do you think deserve another chance to shine at the Brazilians? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
