Latest news with #JoseRiveiro
IOL News
4 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Can new coach deliver fourth straight MTN8 title for Orlando Pirates?
Orlando Pirates won a third consecutive MTN8 championship last season. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix What is it that could motivate a team that has won a competition an unprecedented three times in a row to want to win it again? Could the lure of extending the record further drive Orlando Pirates to going all the way in this season's MTN8? The Buccaneers have made the season-opening competition their own ever since Spaniard Jose Riveiro took charge – winning the tournament contested by teams that finished in the top eight from the preceding season every year from 2022 to 2024. 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. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the 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 ✕ Riveiro has since left Pirates to join continental giants Al Ahly of Egypt and the big question is which coach is going to replace him as the king of the MTN8. The Ghost surely need the trophy to remain their property and will be backing new man Abdeslam Ouaddou to lead their clubs to glory. The short road to what would be a record-extending fourth successive title begins this coming weekend with a tricky home clash against Polokwane City. On paper, Pirates have to be the favourites to progress into the semi-final but the beautiful game is played on grass and few clubs would know better than the black and white clad outfit how tricky things can be on the pitch. This, after all, is a team that slipped on the banana skin that was another team from Limpopo in the form of Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout at the same Orlando Stadium last year. They are sure to tell you that their shock defeat is water under the bridge and that City and Magesi are not the same. In any case, Pirates have mastered the art of winning the MTN8, haven't they? And there's just no way they'd relinquish their reign this year, at least not as early as the first round. They've made some serious new signings to show just how serious they are about returning to the top of the local game – a position Sundowns has held for the past eight seasons. One of those is a former Polokwane City superstar in the form of Oswin Appollis. The Bafana Bafana winger was the Bucs' marquee signing of the transfer window period and is expected to play an influential role as Pirates look to stop Sundowns winning the league title a ninth time. Ouaddou has a very strong squad that should prove too strong for Phuti Mohafe's team although he would do well not to underestimate the Limpopo outfit that gave Sundowns a run for their money at this stage last year. Sundowns, meanwhile, will be out for redemption following a disappointing showing last campaign when they got knocked out by Stellenbosch FC in the semi-final. The Brazilians generally struggle in the MTN8 and it remains to be seen how they will fare this time around. They open their campaign against Richards Bay. Last year's beaten finalists Stellies are probably still hurting from that controversial loss against Pirates in which the Buccaneers forged ahead courtesy of a goal scored after they took a free kick way ahead of where the incident that earned them the set play had occurred. While Stellies coach Steve Barker is unlikely to forgive the match officials for that 'robbery' he is professional enough to know not to dwell in the past and you can bet he would have his teams ready for the visit of AmaZulu on Sunday. Sekhukhune United will host TS Galaxy on Saturday in a clash that can go either way.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
New coach Abdeslam Ouaddou leads Orlando Pirates as Thalente Mbatha sets personal targets
His skillset was also honed by coach Jose Riveiro who's since left the club and joined Egyptian Al Ahly club. Since arriving at Pirates 18 months ago, Mbatha has embodied his name - showcasing his talent and endearing himself to the football fraternity. Orlando Pirates' midfielder Thalente Mbatha says he should be mentally strong and focused next season if he's to achieve the targets he's set for himself. Just 2 days to go until Giants hit your screens ☠️ 📆 Sunday, 27 July 📺 21:00 on SuperSport & Mzansi Magic ⚫⚪🔴⭐ #OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways #giantsondstv New coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has also rolled his sleeves and quickly got to work as he led the team when they intensified their preparations for next season with a two-week tour of Spain. Pirates needed the tour as they must be at their best next season and compete for all trophies up for grabs, including the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League. Mbatha, moreover, has to be at his best in club football to ensure that he makes Bafana Bafana final squad that will compete at Afcon in Morocco later in the year. 'For me, personally, it's going to be a very interesting year. It's not going to be easy,' Mbatha explained. 'So, it's something that I should be prepared for mentally. 'It's a year where everything can happen in a blink of an eye or go down. So, I believe that I should continue to stay focused and work hard. 'We play a sport that has a short span, so I believe that if you take care of yourself, then I will be able to do the right things and achieve whatever I want to.' Mbatha wants to work hard to ensure that he's also considered for individual awards next season such as the Midfielder of the Season after missing out on a nomination last campaign. 'I wouldn't put it that way, but I believe that I did what I needed to do during the season,' said Mbatha on whether he was disappointing with his omission. 'The people that are in the category, I think they also deserve it because they've actually been competing for their respective clubs. 'For me, it's about continuing working hard, and who knows what will happen? As you know, I think of this as another stepping stone - I am still young and able to showcase my talent.'
The South African
23-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
'He was extremely upset': Jose Riveiro misses chance to reunite with Pirates?
Al Ahly head coach Jose Riveiro is reportedly upset with the club's management's decision not to allow to team to travel to Spain for their pre-season. The 49-year-old Spanish coach joined the Red Devils in May from Orlando Pirates where he won five trophies in three years. During his time with the Buccaneers, Riveiro took his team to Spain twice for pre-season, which was one of the reasons why the Sea Robbers were successful. According to Journalist Medhat Shalaby, the former Bucs coach wanted Al Ahly to have their pre-season in his native country, where he believed conditions would be more favourable for preparation. 'Al Ahly had agreed to hold a training camp in Spain, and the Spaniard Jose Riveiro wanted to hold the camp in his country, especially since the atmosphere in Spain is completely different from that in Tunisia at the moment,' Shalaby said per Elwatan News . 'The Spaniard, Riveiro, after learning that the camp would be held in Tunisia, expressed his great anger and was extremely upset. 'The Al-Ahly management convinced him and told him that the Etoile Sportive du Sahel club would cover the costs,' he added. 'In the end, Etoile Sportive du Sahel apologised, and the two friendly matches for Al-Ahly club will be held against both Stade Tunisien (already played) and Bizertin.' Jose Riveiro could possibly have reunited with Orlando Pirates, given that the Buccaneers' pre-season was recently held in Spain. 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
20-07-2025
- 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
20-07-2025
- 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.
