Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has yet to extend his contract with the Soweto giants, despite the club's eagerness to retain him.
Riveiro's current contract is set to expire on June 30, 2025, following his arrival in 2022 on a three-year deal.
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The Spanish tactician has enjoyed significant success with the Buccaneers, having already secured five trophies and currently vying for more in the Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, and CAF Champions League.
Given his impressive record, the club is keen to solidify his future at the helm.
However, discussions regarding a contract renewal might have been delayed due to Riveiro's request to focus on the team's ongoing campaigns, according to sources.
Despite his commitment to the club, concerns have arisen regarding Riveiro's long-term stay, insiders have revealed.
A key factor influencing the mentor's decision could be the prolonged separation from his family, who remain in Spain.
The strain of being away from his wife and daughter for two years has reportedly taken a toll on him, despite his professional dedication.
In October, following Pirates' MTN8 triumph, the club acknowledged Riveiro's sacrifices in a statement, highlighting the challenges he has endured while leading the team.
"What many don't know, for two long years, Riveiro has been separated from his wife and young daughter, enduring the isolation of distance while shouldering the weight of leading a football giant like Orlando Pirates. The mental toll of working away from family, compounded by the unrelenting demands of top-level coaching, would have broken many. Yet Riveiro has persevered, driven by a profound sense of duty to the club and its supporters," Pirates confirmed on the club's official website at the time.
Insider sources suggest that while Riveiro is happy at the club and enjoys strong support from the fans, his personal situation could ultimately influence his decision to leave.
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As discussions continue, the uncertainty surrounding his future remains a pressing concern for Pirates and their supporters.
"As things stand, it's quite a complicated situation as the club might end up losing the coach. While he is happy with the club and the supporters are happy with him, due to personal reasons he could end up leaving. For personal reasons, the coach's family can't be here with him, and that hasn't been easy for him. A decision hasn't been made, but anything can happen at the end of the season," said the source.
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By Masebe Qina
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