Latest news with #JoseRiveiro
TimesLIVE
8 hours ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Pirates draw against Magesi in their final match of the season
Orlando Pirates finished 12 points behind Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership after drawing 1-1 with Magesi FC in their final match at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday. The 61 points collected by Pirates is their best tally ever in the Premier Soccer League era. They managed to win 19 games and reduce the gaps (16 and 23 points) they had finished adrift of the Brazilians in their previous two seasons under Jose Riveiro, who departed before the last four league games of this campaign. Pirates opened the scoring through Patrick Maswanganyi, who directed Relebohile Mofokeng's well-worked free kick towards goals in the seventh minute. Maswanganyi could have finished the first half with a brace if referee Msimeleli Mabuto had spotted Magesi defender Mzwandile Buthelezi cluttering into him inside the area just before half time. The entire first half was controlled by the Buccaneers, who had many chances to stretch their lead but failed to do so until they were punished by Magesi when they used their only chance effectively. Former Kaizer Chiefs player Edmore Chirambadare managed to beat Pirates keeper Sipho Chaine with a low strike, crisply-taken just outside the area after a good build-up that Pirates failed to stop. The second half was really a ding-dong battle with no side really able to create good chances to add to the scoreline, though Bucs still had the upper hand. With the draw Premiership rookies Magesi moved to 12th spot with 31 points. There was an emotional farewell for Pirates captain Innocent Maela, who got a standing ovation from the Buccaneers fans as he was being substituted in the 66th minute. Maela's contract will not be renewed by the club and it is not yet clear if he will continue playing elsewhere or will be given a role within the club. The final match of the season will be played at noon on Thursday where SuperSport United and Lamontville Golden Arrows will complete a fixture that was halted at 1-1 at half time because a floodlights failure at Lucas Moripe Stadium on February 23.
The South African
15 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates receive GREAT NEWS regarding top target!
Orlando Pirates continue to make moves weeks before the winter window officially opens. Perhaps there rush to pre-sign talent comes from the paranoia of repeating last summer window's saga, which concluded with zero arrivals amid a Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs spending spree. The Buccaneers could have benefited from some extra depth during the tail end of the season when they came up short in the Nedbank Cup final and the CAF Champions League semi-final. According to reports, Orlando Pirates are nearing a deal for Polokwane right-back Thabang Matuludi. 'Yes, it's believed that Orlando Pirates are close to signing Thabang Matuludi so the way things are, the two Soweto giants could get a player each from Polokwane City at the start of next season,' Soccer Laduma reported. The Soweto giants are yet to announce Jose Riveiro's successor after the Spaniard requested to leave prematurely following Pirates' Nedbank Cup final loss to Kaizer Chiefs. Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena one of the candidates linked to the job. Orlando Pirates club legend Lucky Lekgwathi gave his thoughts on the matter, saying, 'Look I don't have a problem with the coach as long as the coach can come and take this team to another level.' 'Look at [Mamelodi] Sundowns. Rulani left, and they got a new coach. That coach has now won the league, and the coach is in the final of the Champions League. 'We played the semi-finals of the Champions League this season, so next season we need someone who is going to take us to the final and challenge for the league as you know now our problem is in the league where we are not consistent. 'No matter who is coming, we as supporters, we just need to make sure we support him. When Jose came people called him a plumber and he surprised everyone. We supported the plumber and look where the plumber is today. 'He's one of the best coaches to have coached Pirates. That's why I'm saying whoever is coming to coach Orlando Pirates, even if he's a plumber, let's support that plumber or carpenter. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates transfer news: Rulani, Pablo and Mashiloane
Orlando Pirates will announce a new head coach in the coming weeks and, of course, a couple of new players to improve the squad. That is what top clubs do. With the new season coming up in August, Orlando Pirates are yet to announce Jose Riveiro's successor. According to Soccer Laduma, a familiar face could arrive at the Rand Stadium. His name is Pablo Franco Martin, the former AmaZulu coach. Martin is a free agent after a short stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Faisaly . T he Full Story is here. In case you have missed it, the 38-year-old Mokwena left Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca after 11 wins, 12 draws and four defeats in the Botola Pro 1 league in Morocco. While the former Orlando Pirates tactician is still without a new club, rumours have suggested a possible return to the Sea Robbers. Rulani Mokwena during his final season with Mamelodi Sundowns before going to Wydad Casablanca. Image: IOL According to the club's great legend Lekgwathi, the name of the next coach is not really material. The most important thing is for Orlando Pirates to sustain its success. The full story is here. According to SABC Sport 's leading reporter, Mazola Molefe, Baroka FC's 23-year-old Mashiloane is joining the Sea Robbers. Former Baroka FC head coach Dan Malesela says Orlando Pirates have signed a special player. 'Mashiloane is extraordinary. He is a very special and talented right-back.' – Full Story here. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
3 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates boss to choose another Spanish coach?
Orlando Pirates might replace the great Jose Riveiro with another Spaniard. It's been a month since the Sea Robbers announced Riveiro was leaving. The Spaniard left as a legend after lifting three MTN8 trophies and two Nedbank Cup titles. With the new season coming up in August, Orlando Pirates are yet to announce Riveiro's successor. According to Soccer Laduma, a familiar face could arrive at the Rand Stadium. His name is Pablo Franco Martin, the former AmaZulu coach. Martin is a free agent after a short stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Faisaly. 'There have been talks between Pablo Franco Martin and Orlando Pirates. An offer has been made but he is not the only coach the club is looking at and there are other candidates,' an insider told Soccer Laduma . Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza proudly stands next to the club's famous crest. Image: Sowetan 'He is very interested in the Pirates job, and he has since parted ways with the club he was coaching in Saudi Arabia despite being made an offer to increase his salary to renew his contract,' the source added. In the meantime, Egyptian giants Al Ahly are still locked in extended contractual talks with Jose Riveiro. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
3 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates transfer news: Mokwena, Mayele, Mbokazi, Martin
How Orlando Pirates manage the offseason will be crucial to their longevity. Jose Riveiro's departure means that not only are they on the lookout for rising and established stars in the transfer market, but they are simultaneously dealing with the complex task of finding a new coach. Both are never easy. Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena is reportedly on Orlando Pirates' radar, alongside Spaniard Pablo Franco Martin, who had a previous PSL stint with AmaZulu FC. The Buccaneers entered negotiations with Congolese international Fiston Mayele following his brace against the Soweto giants during the CAF Champions League semi-finals. The 30-year-old striker is said to be entertaining the offer. Al Ahly, Jose Riveiro's new club, is eyeing teenage sensation Mbekezeli Mbokazi – Orlando Pirates have said they will not listen to any offers. Club legend Lucky Lekgwathi is adamant that Orlando Pirates must find someone who can do one better than Riveiro: book a CAF Champions League final spot. 'Look I don't have a problem with the coach as long as the coach can come and take this team to another level,' said Lekgwathi. 'Look at [Mamelodi] Sundowns. Rulani left, and they got a new coach. That coach has now won the league, and the coach is in the final of the Champions League. 'We played the semi-finals of the Champions League this season, so next season we need someone who is going to take us to the final and challenge for the league as you know now our problem is in the league where we are not consistent. 'No matter who is coming, we as supporters, we just need to make sure we support him. When Jose came people called him a plumber and he surprised everyone. We supported the plumber and look where the plumber is today. 'He's one of the best coaches to have coached Pirates. That's why I'm saying whoever is coming to coach Orlando Pirates, even if he's a plumber, let's support that plumber or carpenter. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
