Outgoing Orlando Pirates coach José Riveiro expressed his preference to have delayed the announcement of his departure until the end of the season.

Pirates confirmed that the Spanish coach, who was appointed on 25 June 2022, will leave the club at the end of the current season.  

The 47-year-old, who took charge of a club struggling to contend for league or cup titles, has since secured five major trophies, including the MTN8 this season.

“The time will come for me to express myself on the decision I have made, but now isn’t that time because we have a job to do,” Riveiro stated. 

“The season is far from over and we have a lot of work to do between now and the end of May. 

“Obviously, in an ideal world, one would have wanted to hold on making any statements until the end of the season but it’s not possible. The club needs to plan for its future and it’s only fair that they are given time to do so.” 

Pirates are still competing for three trophies: the Betway Premiership title, the Nedbank Cup (where they have reached the semi-finals), and the CAF Champions League (where they are in the quarter-finals).

They secured a 1-0 victory over MC Alger in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday and will host the Algerian side for the return leg next Tuesday.  

Before that match, Pirates will travel to face Polokwane City in a league clash at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday at 15:00.  

“My priority right now is our upcoming match against Polokwane City. This is a tough match. A match that needs our undivided attention and focus,” Riveiro emphasized.