With Orlando Pirates finalising their preparations for this year's Nedbank Cup final against Mamelodi Sundowns, the coach's success in the competition could lead to the club making a big decision on his future, sources have revealed.
Jose Riveiro will be leading the Buccaneers in their second Nedbank Cup final in two seasons on Saturday at the Mbombela Stadium, having won the prestigious competition last year in his first season with the club. With three trophies won by Pirates under his tutelage, and with the possibility of a fourth one, Riveiro has put himself in a favourable position for a longer stay at the club, according to sources.
While his and the club's aim has been to win the DStv Premiership, the Spanish mentor's progress in improving the team, as well as his success in cup competitions isn't being overlooked. When he joined Bucs in 2022, the 48-year-old coach signed a three-year contract, which means that his deal still has another year to run. Recent reports suggested that the mentor might have attracted interest from Finland, where he previously worked, before he came to Pirates.
It has further been reported that Riveiro has also been monitored in Sweden following his notable progress in the PSL, although Bucs are believed to have no plans of parting ways with the tactician irrespective of the cup final's result.
Siya sources have painted a different picture altogether about the coach's future, hinting that there could be a contract extension should all the necessary boxes be ticked next season.
"The coach has done well, and the management is pleased with the progress he has made. Those (reports on overseas interest) were just rumours," said a source.
"The parties have been happy with the working relationship and there isn't any talk of potential changes at the moment. Yes, the league is an important trophy to go for but there is no reason to press the panic button. In fact, you can expect the club and the coach to engage over long-term plans," added the source.
