As the clock ticks down on Jose Riveiro's contract with Orlando Pirates, the Spanish coach finds himself at the center of growing pleas from his players to remain with the club.
With his current deal set to expire in just two months, all eyes are on Riveiro, whose tenure has been marked by significant success since he arrived at the Buccaneers three seasons ago.
During his time at Pirates, Riveiro has overseen a period of prosperity, winning five trophies and guiding the team to the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League this season. His side is also in contention for league honours, further underlining the solid progress under his leadership.
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However, despite these accomplishments, the uncertainty surrounding his future looms large, with no guarantees that he will remain at the club beyond his current contract.
Riveiro, known for his tendency to move on after two seasons at previous clubs, has left fans and players alike concerned about the prospect of his departure. The uncertainty has spurred several of the club's key figures to step forward and express their desire for Riveiro to extend his stay at the club.
Speaking in the club's BucsCamp documentary, Orlando Pirates captain Thapelo Xoki, winger Deon Hotto, and assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi each made impassioned pleas for the coach to stay.
Thapelo Xoki
"We've built a strong powerhouse in terms of the team that we have assembled over the last three years and it won't sit well with many of us for him to leave and it will unsettle a lot of things. I hope he doesn't leave.
Deon Hotto
"To be honest and sincere, it's not something that is hindering us at the moment because our main focus is all about us achieving what we wanted to achieve at the start of the season.
Mandla Ncikazi
"Whether the coach leaves or stays at the end of the current season is anybody's guess at the moment. Working in football is like checking in at a hotel. Others stay for one day, others stay for two days, others stay for a month - but at the end, we all check out! I do have my personal wishes, if the project works so well, why should it be spoilt? But let's keep the hopes hugh and also trust the vision of our management that they will always take the right decision"
As the season progresses and Pirates continue to chase silverware, the question of Riveiro's future at the club remains a key topic. The players' heartfelt messages underscore the deep respect and admiration they have for their coach, as well as their belief in the positive impact he has had on their development and the team's overall performance.
The next few months will likely determine whether Riveiro's successful stint at Orlando Pirates will continue beyond this season or if the Buccaneers will have to search for a new head coach. For now, however, the players have made it clear—they want him to stay.
