Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro will possibly leave the Sea Robbers when the season ends in June.
IS JOSE RIVEIRO LEAVING ORLANDO PIRATES?
The Spaniard joined the Soweto giants in June 2022 while his family remained in Spain. Despite the legendary success of three MTN8 trophies and two Nedbank Cup titles, the Orlando Pirates coach recently suggested that his family has been missing him. Following the rapidly growing whispers about Riveiro’s departure at the end of the season, the club have released an honest video about the possibility. “Whether the coach will leave at the end of the season or he’s staying is anybody’s guess currently,” the club’s assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi told the club’s media.
“It won’t sit well with us if he leaves,” captain Tapelo Xoki added. “It will unsettle a lot of things. I hope he doesn’t leave.” Ncikazi further added: “Working in football is like checking in the hotel. Others stay for one day, and others stay for a month. At the end, we all check out.”
WHAT THE BUCCANEERS NEED TO CATCH MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Orlando Pirates fans and neutrals have all been celebrating the restoration of the Betway Premiership title race, thanks to the Buccaneers‘ 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday. Following Sunday’s rather unexpected victory over Kabo Yellow, the Sea Robbers reduced Sundowns’ log lead to 15 points. Additionally, Bucs have four games in hand. To reduce the points to just three points, Jose Riveiro’s side needs to win all of their four games in hand. To go level with Sundowns, Orlando Pirates will need Miguel Cardoso’s side to lose one match or collect three draws.
Sundowns are left with seven matches, while Orlando Pirates have 11 games to play.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’ REMAINING SEVEN GAMES
- Stellenbosch FC (home)
- Royal AM (away)
- Richards Bay (home)
- Cape Town City (away)
- Magesi FC (home)
- Chippa United (away)
ORLANDO PIRATES’ REMAINING 11 FIXTURES
- Polokwane City (away)
- SuperSport United (away)
- Magesi FC (home)
- Kaizer Chiefs (away)
- TS Galaxy (away)
- AmaZulu FC (home)
- Royal AM (away)
- Royal AM (home)
- Golden Arrows (away)
- Sekhukhune (home)
- Golden Arrows (home).
In the meantime, both clubs will return from the current FIFA break to focus on the CAF Champions League quarterfinal first legs. The Buccaneers will travel to Algeria to battle MC Alger, while Masandawana will host Esperance in Tshwane. Both games will be on 1 April.
WHO WILL WIN THE LEAGUE? MAMELODI SUNDOWNS OR ORLANDO PIRATES?
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