Is Jose Riveiro about to leave Orlando Pirates? According to reports, the Spaniard is being head hunted by the Sweden and Finland national teams, which could spell the end of his tenure with the Soweto giants.
Riveiro joined Pirates ahead of the 2022/23 season, and was tasked with turning the club into challengers for the league title.
In his first two seasons, the club have won back-to-back cup doubles, but were not able to unseat Mamelodi Sundowns as the undisputed kings of South African football.
This season, Pirates started the league campaign well and showed promise that they could challenge the Brazilians, but they now find themselves 16 points behind the champions. To their credit, they have played three games fewer at this stage.
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Riveiro’s contract is up at the end of June, and according to reports, the club are keen on negotiating a deal that would see him stay in the country for three more years.
Despite failing to win the league, the 49-year-old is highly regarded by club management, and he has been roundly praised for his work in introducing talented young players like Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Mokate into the first team.
It’s Riveiro’s faith in Mofokeng that has seen Spanish giants Barcelona keeping tabs on the 20-year-old.
Soccer Laduma are reporting that while Pirates are keen to keep him on as head coach, the alleged interest from Sweden and Finland could prove a stumbling block. However, both national teams have since made appointments since an offer was tabled for Riveiro’s services last year. Another obstacle for Pirates could be the fact that Riveiro’s family still reside in Spain, and has only seen them in the off-season since moving to the Soweto club.
IOL Sport