View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Soccer Laduma (@soccer_laduma)

Login

What Influenced Riveiro's Pirates Decision Revealed?

What Influenced Riveiro's Pirates Decision Revealed?

Jose Riveiro during the Betway Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium on 16 March 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

With Orlando Pirates announcing that head coach Jose Riveiro will not renew his contract, Soccer Laduma looks at five reasons that may have influenced his decision.

Saleng issue

The absence of Monnapule Saleng did not only affect Pirates on the pitch but it has put a dent on their brand.

With allegations that Saleng wants out due to low salary expectations, Riveiro would also weigh that could the Buccaneers attract better players to the club? 

READ: 'My Priority Is...' – Riveiro Breaks Silence On Pirates Exit 

No big signings on the horizon?

With just over a month left of the season, the Ghost have so far only being linked with Motsepe Foundation Championship side Baroka star Kabelo Kgositsile, which begs the question, has Pirates become a team of bargaining for players instead of chasing top talent?

Sundowns to get stronger after CWC?

What PSL teams, especially the big Soweto giants, including Kaizer Chiefs, is that rivals Mamelodi Sundowns keep getting better each year, with regards to improving their standard on and off the pitch. After their Club World Cup campaign, Masandawana would want to raise their level and we can expect them to improve in their technical team and playing personnel.

READ: Writing Was On the Wall For Riveiro

Key players to leave Pirates?

Relebohile Mofokeng is currently in demand and it would a shock if he were to remain at the Soweto giants in the 2025/26 campaign.

Patrick Maswanganyi has also been linked with a couple of European clubs. The potential of key players leaving could have also been a factor for the 47-year-old.

New challenge

Riveiro stands as the longest serving coach in the club's PSL history and arguably the most successful, with five trophies.

When he started at Pirates back in 2022, success came quickly and in seeking a new challenge, the coach has already exceeded the expectations of the club and fans. 

Related tags

Comments

Top 5

Top 10 Confirmed PSL Free Agents

Jul 02, 2025 08:28 AM in Premiership

In Images: New Faces Spotted At Chiefs!

Jul 02, 2025 10:29 AM in Kaizer-Chiefs

How Pirates Could Line Up With New Signings

Jul 04, 2025 08:41 AM in Orlando-Pirates

Who Could Be Next? 10 Pirates Stars Facing Uncertain Futures

Jul 02, 2025 03:56 PM in Orlando-Pirates

Sundowns Prepared To Break Record For New Signing?

Jul 04, 2025 02:59 PM in Mamelodi-Sundowns

How Chiefs Got Monyane After Nearly Signing Mabuza

Jul 04, 2025 10:11 AM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Pirates Midfielder Not Short Of Suitors

Jul 04, 2025 12:36 PM in Orlando-Pirates

Margeman Confirms Exit Amid SuperSport Sale

Jul 04, 2025 11:17 AM in Siyagobhoza

Tau's Former Club 'Keen' To Land Ribeiro

Jul 04, 2025 12:13 PM in Middle-East

Former Players Bid SuperSport United Farewell

Jul 04, 2025 11:36 AM in Fan Park