Pirates SHOCK: Pitso Mosimane to replace Jose Riveiro in June?

Orlando Pirates could soon part ways with coach Jose Riveiro amid news of the 49-year-old wanting to reunite with family in Spain.

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro. Image: Orlando Pirates website

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has yet to confirm his future at the club, following months of speculation.

The serial winner has lifted everything but the PSL since joining the Buccaneers in 2022, winning the MTN8 Cup each year.

According to reports, the 49-year-old coach, who has a three-year contract extension on the table, is considering returning to Europe where his wife and kids reside.

“There is an offer for the coach to continue for another three years, but he has asked to wait until the end of the season. His main wish is to win the league, and if that happens, he may leave because he misses home,” an anonymous source explained.

“The league title may decide the coach’s future. That’s what’s believed as things stand,

“Nothing has been agreed upon because the coach hasn’t made up his mind. He has made it clear that he misses home and family. And will only consider his future at the end of the season. However, the club has already opened talks with his representatives, hoping for the best outcome.”

Mosimane at the wheel?

If a Riveiro-Orlando Pirates break up occurs, former Mamelodi Sundowns manager Pitso Mosimane is likely to be one of the top candidates.

The 60-year-old coach has endured substantial stints at several clubs, including Super Sport United (2010 – 2016) and Masandawana (2012 – 2020).

When asked why South Africa aren’t producing the likes of Brazil’s Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr, Mosimane said, “I’ve been around. And I also know why I did not make the biggest success in in Europe,

“And I also know why we don’t have a Manchester United, a Man City, a Real Madrid player [from South Africa], a Barcelona… And I’ve also been a coach, as I said, in Bafana, where we played everybody – we played Spain, Germany, Brazil, Italy, we played all those teams to prepare for the World Cup.

“And I’ve also been the coach of Bafana, and I’ve now been outside, I’ve played against the best teams in the continent like Al Ahly, Esperance, Wydad, those are the best team in the continent. Nobody can say anything.”