Orlando Pirates Struggle to Find Form After Jose Riveiro’s Exit

Orlando Pirates’ journey to close off the Betway Premiership season on a high note has been dealt a blow. This is due to the departure of Spanish coach Jose Riveiro. Despite an encouraging farewell victory, the Buccaneers are finding it difficult to stay consistent. Interim coach Mandla Ncikazi is now trying to steady the ship.

Farewell Win Followed by a Setback

Riveiro’s final game in charge was a commanding 3-0 win over Golden Arrows at the Orlando Stadium—a fitting send-off for a coach with a strong influence on the team’s recent resurgence. However, just four days later, the Pirates were held to a 1-1 draw by TS Galaxy. They looked out of rhythm and failed to maintain their momentum.

Mandla Ncikazi, now acting as interim coach alongside performance head Ryaan Jacobs, acknowledged that the emotional weight of Riveiro’s exit might be affecting the players.

“With this kind of result, a lot goes through your mind, and you start to wonder what could’ve been,” Ncikazi said. “Jose Riveiro had a massive impact in this club, and I thought the players might want to celebrate his time here with a good performance in this match.”

Orlando Pirates Adjusting to Life Without Riveiro

Ncikazi, who has served under various head coaches at the club, appears reluctant to make sweeping changes. Instead, he prefers to build on the foundation Riveiro left behind. But keeping the squad focused when the season’s objectives are essentially complete has proven to be a tall order.

“There could’ve been many factors that contributed to what happened today, but we are professionals,” Ncikazi added. “Even if we are playing for nothing, you still have the club, the sponsors, the bench, and yourself to respect.”

Although Pirates are set to finish the season as runners-up to league champions Mamelodi Sundowns, their recent performance raised concerns. Player motivation and mental readiness have now become issues.

Jose Riveiro’s New Chapter in Egypt

While Pirates search for stability at home, Riveiro has already arrived in Egypt. He is expected to be announced as the new head coach of Al Ahly. According to multiple reports, he has signed a two-year deal with the Egyptian giants. It includes an option to extend by a further year.

However, Al Ahly have reportedly chosen to delay his official unveiling until after their final match of the season. The club currently tops the playoff standings and is just one positive result away from clinching the title. Interim coach Emad El-Nahhas will continue to lead the team until the season concludes.

Interestingly, should everything go to plan, Riveiro’s first competitive assignment at his new club could be against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami at the FIFA Club World Cup next month—an exciting challenge awaiting the Spaniard.

Also read: Orlando Pirates Transfer News: Departures, Deals and Dream Signings

The post-Riveiro era at Orlando Pirates has begun with mixed emotions. While the Spanish tactician moves on to a new adventure with Egyptian giants Al Ahly, the Soweto club must regroup and rediscover their focus. With only pride left to play for in the remaining fixtures, Ncikazi faces a challenge. He needs to inspire a squad recovering from the exit of a coach who had clearly won their respect. The next few weeks will reveal whether Pirates can finish the campaign with dignity—or if the cracks left by Riveiro’s departure will widen further.