League success to determine Riveiro’s Bucs future?
Despite his early success with the three trophies won, there are no guarantees on Jose Riveiro’s future as Orlando Pirates head coach, sources have indicated.
The Spanish tactician won the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup respectively last season and followed that up with the defence of the Top Eight this season, much to the delight of the club’s supporters.
However, it is the side’s league form that has been of concern…
Prior to the last two DStv Premiership encounters before the FIFA international break, Bucs suffered a shock 2-1 defeat against bottom-placed Cape Town Spurs, having collected just two points from a possible 12 in four league games at the time.
Coming into the season, the Soweto giants were seen as contenders to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the championship after the club bolstered the squad with quality players and supported the team with a highly competitive pre-season camp in Spain.
Despite having played two games more than the Brazilians, Pirates trail the log leaders by nine points and are seventh on the standings after 10 fixtures.
According to sources, the management hasn’t been too pleased with the slow progress and will be expecting an improvement going forward.
The recent Soweto Derby victory, however, has seemingly restored hope in camp, according to sources, after the team also won the previous fixture against Sekhukhune United to force their way into the Top Eight bracket.
“The coach might have won a trophy already this season, but pressure is mounting on him to do well in the league. That’s where he will be judged,” said one source.
“The team’s league form hasn’t been convincing, and the club hasn’t been too happy about the results. That’s why the coach has been talking about the importance of doing well in the league, because he knows that’s where the club also wants to do well. The team’s league success will determine his future. It is good that the team won against Chiefs and managed to get back-toback victories in the league for the first time this season, and hopefully things will continue like that,” the source added.
The Spaniard joined Pirates on a three-year deal in June last year.