Latest news with #JoséRiveiro
The South African
3 days ago
- Business
- The South African
Orlando Pirates: Who will replace José Riveiro in the hot seat?
Orlando Pirates find themselves at a critical juncture following the departure of head coach José Riveiro to Egyptian giants Al Ahly. Under Riveiro, the Buccaneers reclaimed silverware and re-established their competitive edge. Now, with the top job vacant, the club must identify a new leader capable of elevating the team from cup success to consistent league triumphs. The next appointment isn't just about tactics, it's about vision, identity, and ambition. Here's a look at the top contenders linked to one of South African football's most high-pressure positions, as per iDiski Times . Rulani Mokwena, recently departed from Moroccan giants Wydad AC, brings both local experience and international perspective. He previously led the Buccaneers in an interim capacity, and his time with Mamelodi Sundowns saw him mature into a top-level tactician. Having tasted success across the continent, Mokwena could be poised for a high-profile return, though expectations will be far higher than during his first stint. Pablo Franco Martin blends analytical insight with international coaching experience. Best known locally for his time at AmaZulu, he recently left Saudi side Al-Faisaly and has managed in Spain's top flight with Getafe. His progressive style may suit Pirates' desire to dominate possession and control games with finesse. Pablo Machín made headlines in Spain for guiding Girona to their first-ever LaLiga promotion. His journey through elite clubs like Sevilla and Espanyol speaks volumes, but adapting to the intensity and unpredictability of Orlando Pirates is a different challenge altogether. His tactical rigidity might either provide much-needed structure, or clash with the PSL's expressive nature. Former Raja Casablanca manager Ricardo Sá Pinto brings a fiery touchline presence and a high-tempo style of football. With coaching stints across Europe, Asia, and Africa, he has lifted trophies at clubs such as Standard Liège, Esteghlal, and APOEL. Sá Pinto's charisma and intensity might ignite a spark at Pirates, but could his volatility prove a risk? Abdeslam Ouaddou may not be the loudest name on the list, but his recent success at Marumo Gallants speaks volumes. He stabilised the struggling side and earned praise for quickly turning things around. A former Moroccan international with European experience, Ouaddou could be a surprise choice, yet one with genuine upside. When you think of African coaching excellence, Pitso Mosimane inevitably comes to mind. With three CAF Champions League titles and historic success at Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns, he remains one of the most decorated coaches on the continent. However, with his current focus on Middle Eastern projects and youth development through his football schools, a return to the PSL, and specifically Pirates, appears improbable. Already part of the technical staff, Mandla Ncikazi understands the club's ethos and squad dynamics better than most. He briefly co-led the side during a transitional period and remains a respected figure within the setup. While he offers continuity and cohesion, questions linger about whether he has the stature and tactical sharpness to lead a title charge. 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
22-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
'The Ghost' of Moses Mabhida past: Orlando Pirates face crucial test in Durban return
Mohau Nkota of Orlando Pirates celebrates scoring against SuperSport United in the Betway Premiership at Peter Mokaba Stadium earlier this week. Photo: BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix Orlando Pirates return to the Moses Mabhida Stadium this weekend — a venue that still haunts them after their heartbreaking Nedbank Cup final loss at the hands of Kaizer Chiefs earlier this month. This time, AmaZulu are the hosts, and while there is no silverware at stake, there is just as much to play for. The Buccaneers have already secured a second-place finish in the Betway Premiership and sealed their return to the CAF Champions League next season. But with the sudden and permanent departure of coach José Riveiro, the clash in Durban marks the beginning of an uncertain but potentially transformative new chapter. There is another fixture still to come — Pirates host Magesi four days later — but Saturday's showdown offers a clear opportunity for players to make a statement. With a new coach set to be appointed in the off-season, every performance between now and the final whistle of the campaign could influence who stays, who goes, and who leads the Sea Robbers into the next era. The weight of the fixture also sits with AmaZulu, who are clinging to sixth place on the table and need just a point to ensure qualification for next season's MTN8 competition. For Pirates, however, this match is about more than disrupting Usuthu's ambitions — it is about restoring pride and testing the hunger that will be demanded in the seasons to come. When they last walked off the pitch at Moses Mabhida, Pirates were crushed after conceding a late goal to Kaizer Chiefs and watching their Nedbank Cup treble dreams evaporate. That result also shifted the spotlight to internal issues and, ultimately, Riveiro's early exit. Now, with just two league games remaining, the technical staff — albeit temporary — will be watching closely to assess which players are still committed, focused, and capable of carrying the badge with conviction. Despite their patchy form over the past few weeks, Pirates showed resilience in their midweek victory over SuperSport United. The win not only secured their second-place finish but also hinted at the kind of determination required to close out the season on a high.
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates seal CAF Champions League spots as final-day drama looms across PSL
Mamelodi Sundowns celebrate winning the Betway Premiership. Photo: BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates' abilities to make hay while the sun shone mean they are the only two teams to have secured coveted spots ahead of the season finale. Sundowns were duly crowned Betway Premiership champions on Sunday night after beating Magesi 2–0 in their final game of the league season. The Brazilians had clinched their record-extending eighth consecutive title after their penultimate game, toppling several records along the way. It was another gallant and impressive campaign for Sundowns, with only Pirates managing to keep pace in the title race. However, the Sea Robbers' pursuit fell short, and they ultimately laboured to a second-place finish on the log for the third successive season under José Riveiro, who has since departed the club. 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. 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. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The Buccaneers secured the runners-up position with five games to spare, as the rest of the teams failed to match their points tally. The race for third place, which grants entry into the CAF Confederation Cup — unlike the top two spots, which lead to the Champions League — remains undecided. Stellenbosch currently occupy the prized position with 47 points, just one ahead of Sekhukhune United, ahead of their final fixtures against Cape Town City and Golden Arrows respectively. On paper, both Stellies and Sekhukhune are favourites, as City and Arrows are embroiled in the relegation scrap with only one point separating them. The Citizens sit 15th on the log with 26 points, one behind Abafana Bes'thende, who have two games in hand. Should City fail to beat Stellies, they will find themselves in the promotion/relegation play-offs — a fall from grace for a club of their stature. Club chairman John Comitis is already incensed by the PSL's delay in resolving the 'abandoned' match between Arrows and SuperSport United. Three points on the road, and focus shifts to next Saturday ✅ A 𝒃𝒊𝒈 week lies ahead #iamCityFC — Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) May 18, 2025 SuperSport failed to produce a backup generator at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium after load shedding disrupted the match before the second half. Although load shedding was an act of force majeure, SuperSport, as hosts, were expected to have a generator in place. Their failure to do so could see them sanctioned by the PSL, and the fixture potentially awarded to Arrows as a 3–0 walkover. While such an outcome would not severely impact SuperSport, they remain confident of claiming at least three points from their final two games against Pirates and Richards Bay. Meanwhile, at least three MTN8 qualification spots remain up for grabs, with teams outside the top eight still hoping for a late push. Kaizer Chiefs, Marumo Gallants, Richards Bay, Magesi, and Arrows all have a mathematical chance, as eighth-placed Chippa United have completed their campaign with 31 points. These five teams must win their respective matches and hope other results go their way. Chiefs, in particular, are under immense pressure to secure a Top 8 finish given the size of the club and the potential implications for coach Nasreddine Nabi and his technical team. Nabi ended the club's 10-year trophy drought two weeks ago by defeating Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final, but even that achievement might not be enough to secure his position. The Tunisia-born coach cannot afford to falter, and his team must defeat Polokwane City at home in their final league match to have any chance of qualifying for the MTN8.
IOL News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Orlando Pirates, José Riveiro tip their caps to Kaizer Chiefs
His side may have been favourites to lift the Nedbank Cup trophy, but Orlando Pirates coach José Riveiro was quick to pay tribute to Kaizer Chiefs for winning the cup final at a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium, in Durban, on Saturday. Chiefs beat Pirates 2-1 in the second Soweto Derby in the space of a week to claim their first piece of silverware in 10 years. Chiefs opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Gaston Sirino converted from the spot, but the lead was short-lived as Evidence Makgopa equalised seven minutes later. The sides remained locked at 1-1, until Yusuf Maart banged in the winner with 10 minutes remaining.
IOL News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Jose Riveiro's future at Al Ahly: Will he pursue Orlando Pirates players?
Off to Egypt? Former Orlando Pirates coach José Riveiro is expected to be named as the new boss of Egyptian giants Al Ahly. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Former Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro remained coy when asked if he will target the club's players at his new club, expected to be Egyptian giants Al Ahly. The Spaniard spent three seasons with Ezimnyama ngenkani, guiding them to three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups. However, after his third season, Riveiro decided to walk away from the club, much to the fans and players' disappointment. When asked by Robert Marawa on MSW on 947 if he will be going after Pirates' players, Riveiro appeared to sidestep the question. 'It's a difficult question… Pirates is full of talent, full of really good prospects,' he said on the radio station. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. 'But that's not my role and will never be. Right now, in modern football, we as coaches have a say obviously in the players who are coming and going but it belongs more to the strategical side of the business. 'In this case for Orlando Pirates and whichever club wants to look at our talent here. The role that I'm playing in that kind of situation and operation, is minimum and whatever happens in future is not going to have a straight relation with my decision, my influence or my opinion,' the Spaniard said. According to reports, Riveiro beat out Carlos Queiroz, formerly of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bafana Bafana among others, to the job. Ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Marco Rose's name is also thought to have been on the shortlist. Ekramy El-Shaha, the club's former goalkeeper has opened up about his displeasure at Riveiro's potential signing. "I don't know who Riveiro is," El-Shahat was quoted in the Egyptian media. "Maybe Al Ahly sees him as the future, or maybe they're trying to replicate the Pitso Mosimane experience when he came from Sundowns. "All the other candidates whose names were mentioned had stronger CVs than his — he was the weakest among them." IOL Sport Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
