Latest news with #JoseRiveiro
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
No room for error: Orlando Pirates must hit the ground running
Orlando Pirates could face a long and challenging season if they do not address several key issues. Last year, the Buccaneers were in contention for a treble, but fatigue took a toll on the players, and the lack of January signings impacted the team in the latter half of the season. By February, Pirates were still six points behind Mamelodi Sundowns in the league and competing in the CAF Champions League. They appeared to be in good form, having reached the semi-finals unbeaten. However, a 3-1 defeat to Pyramids during the second half of the season derailed their momentum. Their league performance suffered, ultimately leading to a finish 11 points behind champions Sundowns in the Betway Premiership. To make matters worse, Orlando Pirates lost the Nedbank Cup final to rival Kaizer Chiefs, which was Jose Riveiro's penultimate match as coach. The Buccaneers are set to kick off their season against Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-finals at Orlando Stadium on 2 August. Having won the title three times in a row, they will be looking to defend it once again. A defeat to Rise and Shine could set a negative tone for their season. Having participated in six finals over the past three seasons, the Sea Robbers will aim for another strong performance in the MTN8. To start the season well, new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou needs to secure a quality striker and a solid left-back. The Buccaneers seem strong in defence and midfield but require a left-back who can overlap and deliver quality crosses. Last season, Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa both struggled to reach 10 goals in the league. If Orlando Pirates want to compete with Sundowns, they need at least one striker who can score over 10 goals. New signing Yanela Mbuthuma has never scored more than six league goals in a season and is unlikely to reach double figures in his first season. Acquiring another top striker could motivate all three forwards, similar to how Iqraam Rayners keeps Peter Shalulile on alert. Having concluded their pre-season in Spain on Saturday, Orlando Pirates will look to play a few friendly matches at home as they look to challenge for the league title. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. 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
'Jose Riveiro wanted me back' – U/20 international
Egypt U/20 international Ahmed Khaled Kabaka says Jose Riveiro wanted him to return to Al Ahly following his loan spell at Modern Sport. The midfielder also credited former Modern Sport coach Talaat Yousef and the club's CEO Haitham Orabi, giving him the motivation to perform well during the brief loan spell 'My loan period was a success, and being promoted from the youth team to the first team with the coach's trust is a wonderful feeling,' Kabaka said as per Soccer Laduma . 'Haitham Orabi played a big role in giving me confidence and motivating me to do my best.' 'Despite the difficulty of that stage, with changes in coaches and the jump from one level to another, I consider it a successful experience. I thank Talaat Youssef, who made a big difference in my character both on and off the pitch. He taught me discipline and what it means to be a true professional,' Kabaka added. The 20-year-old said the former Orlando Pirates coach pushed for him to return to Al Ahly before his loan deal concluded. 'Returning to Al Ahly was an important step in my career,' said the youngster. 'The decision to cut my loan short came from coach Jose Riveiro, who watched me before the Club World Cup. Wearing the Al Ahly shirt is an honour for any player.' 'Playing among big-name stars at Al Ahly makes getting a chance difficult, but I believe in my potential and will fight for an opportunity,' Kabaka said. 'I received offers after the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, but I've always respected the club's decisions. I'm at the club's service—whether I stay or move abroad, I'll be proud of whatever decision is made about my future,' he concluded. Jose Riveiro has not had a good start to his Al Ahly tenure. The team performed poorly at the FIFA Club World Cup, failing to reach the next round of the competition. The 49-year-old Spaniard has introduced an intense fitness programme for pre-season as he looks to improve his side following a poor 2024/25 season. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Another Orlando Pirates player joins PSL newcomers
Orlando Pirates have confirmed the season‑long loan of left‑back Yanga Madiba to newly promoted Betway Premiership side Orbit College FC. The 23‑year‑old left-back, who made his debut with the Buccaneers under Jose Riveiro late last season, is back with Orbit for a second spell. The imposing defender's move was confirmed by FARPost , while he was also spotted at Orbit's new home and away kit unveilings in Rustenburg on Friday. News Orlando Pirates superstar told not to relax Yanga Madiba warms up for Orlando Pirates before a Betway Premiership match against Golden Arrows. Image via @OrlandoPirates on X 'Following the signing of [Monnapule] Saleng, Orbit have also concluded a loan move for Pirates left-back Yanga Madiba,' the outlet reported. 'The 23-year-old will have a second loan spell with Orbit, having spent the 2023/24 season in the second division with the club.' Kaizer Chiefs bosses call Bafana player's father ' FARPost has established that Madiba has already arrived in North West to begin life with Orbit College. The talented defender will aim to impress during his loan stint and return to Pirates to fight for regular playing time,' the outlet concluded. 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.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Five big wishes Orlando Pirates fans have for the new PSL season
Big season ahead Orlando Pirates fans will hope new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will pick up where Jose Riveiro left off. Photo: Orlando Pirates on X Image: @orlandopirates After another season of near misses and silver medals, Orlando Pirates enter the new campaign with renewed hope and a sense of unfinished business. While cup success has kept the fans cheering, the league title – the one that truly matters – has remained just out of reach. With a new coach at the helm and fresh faces in the squad, the Sea Robbers faithful have plenty to be excited about, and even more to wish for. With the new season on the horizon, IOL Sport takes a look at five things Orlando Pirates supporters will be hoping for. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Sipho Mbule to prove his critics wrong A lot has been made about the midfielder's past struggles at former club Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United, where he spent a brief period on loan. What football fans everywhere agree on is that Mbule is a fantastic talent. However, his disciplinary issues are a worry. Pirates fans, and everyone else in the country, will be rooting for Mbule to stay on course. Pirates have a very good player on their hands. If he behaves, they could mean business in the league. New coach to pick up where Jose Riveiro left The appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou as the club's new coach came out of left field. When Jose Riveiro left, the club was heavily linked with Rulani Mokwena, who has experience in winning trophies in South African football. All eyes will now be on Ouaddou to see if he can deliver. If he can pick up where Riveiro left off, Pirates fans will be happy. Mbekezeli Mbokazi to get even better Remember the name 'Mbekezeli Mbokazi'. Football fans everywhere are excited about him. At just 19 years old, Mbokazi has done enough to impress. He has all the hallmarks of a top defender. He has an understanding of his position that's second to none and also excels in aerial duels and physical confrontations. He's destined for the top, and fans will be hoping to see him make his mark in the PSL with a number of eye-catching performances in defence. To see the club fill the gap left by Mohau Nkota and possibly Rele Mofokeng Mohau Nkota has left the club, and according to reports, there continues to be interest from Europe for Relebohile Mofokeng. If he heads towards the exit as well, the club will have lost two of their best wide players. They've already brought in Bafana star Oswin Appollis. Fans will now want to see him terrorise defenders much like Nkota and Mofokeng did last season. To finally win the league The one thing Pirates fans want more than anything is for the club to win the league. Under Riveiro, they did well in cup competitions as they won three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups in three years. However, in the league, they just couldn't get over the finish line ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns. Pirates fans would love nothing more than seeing Ouaddou's men lifting the Betway Premiership trophy at the end of the campaign. IOL Sport Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
The South African
15-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates: Mohau Nkota's message to Riveiro
Former Orlando Pirates winger Mohau Nkota has praised his former coach, Jose Riveiro, as well as his development coach, Joseph Makhanya. The 20-year-old attacker joined Saudi Pro League side Ettifaq Club after just one season with the Buccaneers. He scored five goals and provided seven assists in 39 matches across all competitions. On Monday, Nkota penned a heartfelt message on his social media platform. 'I'm filled with mixed emotions. There's sadness in leaving behind the only football home I've ever known, but also excitement for the journey that lies ahead. I've grown as a player, but even more importantly, I've grown as a person,' the former Orlando Pirates winger wrote. 'I'm proud and honoured to have won my first major cup with Orlando Pirates. The memories we've created and the friendships formed here will last a lifetime. 'To the fans – thank you for your unwavering support. Your cheers, your chants, your passion, and even your constructive criticism – all of it fueled me every single step of the way. I never forget the electric atmosphere you created on match days. It was a privilege to play for you. Nkota also took time to thank Makhanya, with whom he worked in development. The winger made his debut for Orlando Pirates first team late in 2024 and immediately became a fan favourite under Jose Riveiro. 'To coach Joseph Makhanya, you have been more than just a coach-you have been a true father figure. Your guidance has shaped me not only as a player but as a man and to the man who made me the person I am today-Coach Jose Riveiro thank you. Your influence on my journey has been immeasurable, and I will carry your lessons with me wherever I go,' Nkota wrote. With Nkota gone, Pirates announced the signing of a new winger. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
