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The Citizen
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Ahly confirm appointment of ex-Pirates coach Riveiro
Riveiro's first task will be to lead Ahly at the Fifa Club World Cup. Egyptian giants Al Ahly have confirmed that former Orlando Pirates mentor Jose Riveiro has taken over as their new head coach. ALSO READ: Pirates star Mofokeng reveals biggest disadvantage Riveiro has signed a two-year deal to take charge of the Red Devils, Ahly announced on their official website on Thursday. 𝑨 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒔 😍 — Al Ahly SC 🇬🇧 (@AlAhlyEnglish) May 29, 2025 Riveiro's Pirates trophy haul Riveiro left Pirates just before the end of this season after three successful years in charge. The Buccaneers won three MTN8 trophies and two Nedbank Cups with the Spanish coach at the helm. This season, they also reached the semifinals of the Caf Champions League, just losing out to Egyptian side Pyramids. Ahly also lost in the semifinals of this season's Champions League, going down to Mamelodi Sundowns. After this result they parted ways with Swiss coach Marcel Koller, paving the way for Riveiro to take over. Taking on the world Riveiro's first task in charge of Ahly will be to lead them at the expanded Fifa Club World Cup in the USA. ALSO READ: Chiefs' Nabi to stay – 'for now' Ahly have been drawn in Group A alongside Inter Miami, Brazil's Palmeiras and Portuguese giants FC Porto.
The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Mandla Ncikazi on Orlando Pirates job: When I got into this club, I became a servant
Mihlali Baleka | Published 4 hours ago Mandla Ncikazi has devoted himself to being a servant of Orlando Pirates – hence, he'll serve wherever he's deployed by the management next season. Ncikazi served as the interim coach of Pirates in the last four matches, following the early departure of coach Jose Riveiro. He did fairly well in the capacity, guiding Pirates to 61 points – their best finish since the 2002/23 title-winning season after one win and three draws. As such, he has all but involuntarily thrown his name in the basket of coaches who may be considered to succeed Riveiro, having shown continuity. Ncikazi, despite serving as a co-coach and then assistant at Pirates, is no stranger to the head-coach role, having held the position at Golden Arrows prior to joining the Buccaneers. However, the 56-year-old – who's in his fourth season at the club – says the management will make the decision on his future as he's just ready to do his part. 'I've learnt so much in this club,' said Ncikazi, who was speaking after Pirates drew 1-1 with Magesi FC in their season finale at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night. 'You don't only learn as a coach, you also learn as a human being – they teach you to be a better man and a better human being.' 'That augurs well for me because I'm not the type who is looking for opportunities. When I got into this club, I became a servant. I want to serve this club. 'Remember, when you are appointed here, you must put your aspiration in the right place (and act as required). 'You are here to serve and if you are serving, you are not the one who determines which direction you go with the mission. 'I'm here, and I will go where I've been sent to go and preach the gospel. And it's not on me: it is the appointer who will take a decision.' It's not only Ncikazi that has served with aplomb under Riveiro, but outgoing captain Innocent Maela as well. Maela led Pirates to five trophies – MTN8s and two Nedbank Cups – and three successive runners-up finishes in the Premiership as they qualified for the CAF Champions League. He wasn't a regular in the starting line up in the last two seasons, with Riveiro preferring Deon Hotto, who's naturally a left-winger, over him at left back. But the 32-year-old hardly sulked and moaned around, be it for late cameos or media duties as he showed up and spoke from the heart. His loyalty and service to the club seems as though it will be rewarded, as there are reports that he'll retire at the end of the season and work behind the scenes. 'He is a product of this institution,' said Ncikazi, before going down memory on the time he first saw Maela. 'I remember the first time I met him, he was playing for Thanda Royal Zulu and I was still in KwaZulu-Natal, and I saw this fast winger that I wanted to poach. 'But I was told he belongs to a big institution, so then you know what should happen. He's a great human being. 'Sometimes, we look at players and forget they are society members. 'It becomes very good when you have a good human being, and a good player. It's moments like that which make you continue being a leader, even if you are not on the pitch. 'He's highly intelligent. I'm sure he is educated at home and in the institutions of learning. It is a blessing, and I'm sure his career is going to continue. 'It is not the end. He is taking another direction in his career, based on his humanity and his academic learning.'
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Al Ahly announce former Pirates boss José Riveiro as new coach
Riveiro truly made his name at the Buccaneers, where he won five of the eight domestic cup trophies on offer in his tenure (three successive MTN8s and two Nedbank Cups in a row, plus a third final). He successively closed the gap on eight-time champions on the trot Mamelodi Sundowns as runners-up in the Betway Premiership from 16 to 23 to 12, the last in the past campaign where Pirates were contenders until the final few weeks. Perhaps most impressively, this campaign he also he steered Pirates to their first Champions League semifinal since reaching the final in 2013. Bucs went through their first group stage since 2018-19 — their second round-robin phase since 2013 — unbeaten with 14 points to second-placed Al Ahly's nine. Pirates were the only unbeaten team left in the competition at the quarterfinal and semifinal stages.
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates shock fans with contract extension for 35-year-old
Orlando Pirates have stunned supporters by handing veteran midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula a new contract. Ensuring he remains part of their plans for another season. The 35-year-old stalwart has signed a one-year extension that keeps him at the club until the end of next season. 'I can confirm that (Makhehleni) Makhaula has signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him at Pirates until the end of next season,' a source told The South African. Makhaula joined the Buccaneers from AmaZulu in January 2022 and initially found game time hard to come by. However, he fought tirelessly to establish himself, eventually becoming a core part of the squad. His journey, marked by determination and perseverance, has transformed him into one of the club's most dependable players. This season, Makhaula played a pivotal role in guiding the team to the CAF Champions League semi-finals, where Pirates narrowly missed out against Egyptian giants Pyramids. His performance in the midfield has consistently stood out, making him indispensable in high-pressure fixtures. Since donning the black and white jersey, Makhaula has lifted two MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups with Pirates. His leadership and experience have helped shape the club's recent success. While his presence on and off the pitch continues to inspire younger players. With 83 appearances across all competitions, including 44 this season alone, and two goals to his name. Makhaula remains a key figure in the Pirates' engine room. Although this extension is likely to be his last, it offers him the chance to close his chapter at the club on a high. The club moved swiftly to secure Makhaula's signature before his contract expired, underlining how much they value his influence. This decision reflects Pirates' trust in his ability to continue delivering. Both as a player and a leader in the dressing room. Is this a good decision to keep Makhaula at Orlando Pirates? 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
21-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates star veteran could exit on a free
Orlando Pirates risk losing one of their most consistent and decorated players, Deon Hotto, on a free transfer. The Namibian international's contract is due to expire within a month, and surprisingly no renewal talks have begun. The 34-year-old joined the Buccaneers from Bidvest Wits during the 2020/2021 season, following a fierce transfer battle involving Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns. Pirates triumphed in securing his signature, marking a major coup at the time. Since arriving at the Soweto giants, Hotto has clocked up over 200 appearances across all competitions. Operating as a left-back, left-winger, and occasionally on the right, he has scored 27 goals and provided 38 assists, an impressive contribution for a utility player. During his five-year spell, Hotto helped Orlando Pirates lift four MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups. Most recently, he played a pivotal role in the club's journey to the CAF Champions League semi-finals, showcasing his experience and versatility on the biggest stage. Despite his loyalty and achievements, Hotto's future at the club hangs in the balance. With his current deal running out in just a few weeks, and no communication from the club regarding a renewal, he looks set to walk away as a free agent. If Pirates fail to act swiftly, they may lose him without any financial return, a major loss both on and off the pitch. In contrast, Orlando Pirates have moved quickly to secure the services of Nkosinathi Sibisi. The club has exercised a two-year extension clause in his contract, ensuring the reliable centre-back remains part of their defensive unit for the 2025/2026 Betway Premiership campaign. If Hotto leaves, will that be good business by Pirates? 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.
