According to Sportswire sources, outgoing Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is being targeted for the Finland national team.

This potential move aligns with the recent appointment of Riveiro’s former assistant coach, Sergio Almenara, as an assistant coach for the Finnish national team.

Almenara left Pirates at the end of the 2023/24 Betway Premiership season after requesting to step down, citing his family’s difficulties in adapting to South Africa.

The 44-year-old arrived in South Africa in 2022 alongside Pirates’ head coach Riveiro, serving as the first assistant coach alongside Mandla Ncikazi.

The Finnish senior men’s team recently announced Almenara’s arrival as a set-piece coach, assisting head coach Jacob Friis from Denmark.

Despite this, Sportswire sources indicate that Finland remains interested in securing Riveiro’s services.

Riveiro is set to depart Pirates at the end of the season upon the expiration of his contract with the Soweto Giants, a departure announced by the Mayfair club on Thursday midday.

Although Riveiro has achieved five major trophies with Pirates in South Africa, he has faced challenges due to living apart from his family, who are based in Finland.

When Pirates appointed Riveiro in June 2022, he was working in Finland for Inter Turku, where Almenara served as his assistant coach.

Riveiro’s impending departure has been met with disappointment from Pirates fans, but he will be remembered as one of the most successful coaches in the club’s PSL history.

Pirates’ MTN8 victory this season marked their third consecutive title, a record achievement.

They are also on track to defend the Nedbank Cup, aiming for a third consecutive victory, which would be another historic feat in the PSL.

Pirates still have a chance to win the Betway Premiership, trailing log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by 15 points, with four games in hand.

The Soweto Giants have taken a significant step towards the CAF Champions League semi-finals, defeating MC Alger 1-0 in the first leg of the quarter-finals on Tuesday.

They are now unbeaten in 11 CAF premier club matches, a club record.

The second leg of the Champions League quarter-final will take place at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday. Despite facing pressure in the first leg, Pirates are considered strong favorites to advance to the semi-finals.