'Announcing a farewell mid-season isn't the best strategy' – Ex-Orlando Pirates midfielder
The 49-year-old Spanish coach has had a great three-year stint at Pirates, winning five trophies in six finals. Last month, Riveiro dropped a bombshell when he announced that he won't be renewing his contract at the end of the season when his contract expires.
At the time, Orlando Pirates were in a hunt for a treble, having already won the MTN8. The Soweto giants were already in the CAF Champions League and still in a chance to win the Betway Premiership.
Everything seemed to have collapsed when Riveiro's men were knocked out in the CAF CL semi-final by Egyptian side Pyramids. After that, Pirates slumped to a shock 1-0 defeat to Sekhukhune United, which all but ended their title hopes.
This past weekend, the Sea Robbers lost their first final under Riveiro following a 2-1 loss to rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
Speaking on X (Twitter), Morton asked if coaches announcing their exit mid-season was a good idea.
'Two managers, two mid-season farewell announcements, two treble pursuits…both falling short. Perhaps announcing a farewell mid-season isn't the best strategy'? The former Orlando Pirates star asked.
Many Bucs fans also felt Riveiro's departure may have affected the players' morale.
'The announcement was premature and as a result, it demoralised the team. Perhaps the coach should have waited until the end of the season,' tweeted @TSOliphant.
With only the MTN8 to show this season, Orlando Pirates will feel they could have deserved more, given how they played.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
2 minutes ago
- IOL News
Orlando Pirates secure MTN8 semi-final spot with 2-0 victory over Polokwane City
Patrick Maswanganyi of Orlando Piratescelebrates goal during the 2025/26 MTN8 quater-final match as they won 2-0 against Polokwane City. | BackpagePix ORLANDO PIRATES (2)(2) Appollis 12', Maswanganyi (p) 35' POLOKWANE CITY (0)(0) Orlando Pirates' new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou steered the Sea Robbers' ship to the calm waters of the MTN8 semi-final in his first game in charge on Saturday afternoon. Ouddou's team beat Polokwane 2-0 in the quarter-final at sold-out Orlando Stadium as they ushered in a new dawn for the new season. This win meant that Pirates reached their fourth successive MTN8 semi-finals, something that will boost their confidence of winning a record-extending fourth crown. It was an impressive start for Ouaddou as he team produced a performance that probably eased his nerves after an outstanding three-year spell under predecessor, Jose Riveiro. Pirates played like a unit here, but they lacked a defensive midfield and marksman who would clean up and bury their chances upfront respectively. The fact that the new players showed signs of adaptation must have also pleased Ouaddou, given all that's expected of the team this season. The Buccaneers are expected to challenge for every trophy, which is why it was crucial that they give a good account of themselves here,and set a tone for the rest of the season. So, they duly heeded to those expectations as Ouaddou's boys took a healthy 2-0 lead into half-time, courtesy of Oswin Appollis and Patrick Maswangayi's goals. Pirates started the game on a high note and were appealing on the eye in their approach as the trio of Appollis, Sipho Mbule, and Relebohile Mofokeng were electrifying. It was a pleasing display in attacking situations for Pirates so much so that Mbule lived up to his 'Master Chef' nickname, dishing up some watering through balls into the final third. Mbule needed this sort of start, given that he had arrived at Pirates with high expectations, despite his career being muddied by ill-discipline issues at previous clubs. Mbule was supported in ensuring that he settled into the game as Mofokeng continued with his silk-play and nippy feet which endeared him to the football fraternity. But for all Pirates' bright start, they still needed a marksman who'd bury their through passes and Deon Hotto's crosses in the final third. Striker Boitumelo Radiopane, who's seemingly getting a new breath of life under Ouaddou, struggled at times - often late for the final ball or not in possession when the need arose. Radiopane, though, did make a contribution, holding up play before putting through, on the edge of the box, Appollis who picked his spot and curled his effort into Brian Wire's far-post. It was a dream start for Appollis, who haunted his former side, as the Ghost welcomed him in style, lighting up flares which engulfed the stadium. But rather than building on the momentum and going for the jugular, Pirates' performance flattened - something that was expected due to lack of match-fitness. What also prompted the sluggish pace of the is the fact that Pirates lacked an anchor as Sihle Nduli moved high-up at time, resulting in Mbule and Co needing to backtrack. Polokwane's ineptness to exploit the loophole in Pirates' midfield as their long balls approach was easily dealt with by Pirates defence. Another electrifying attack from Pirates resulted in Appollis tossing and turning his markers inside the box before Monty Batlhabane opted to trip him, conceding a penalty. Patrick Maswanganyi slotted home the spot, and cupped his ears to a rousing response from the Ghost who chanted 'Tito, Tito, Tito'. It was a dream half for the Pirates and Ouaaddou who was restless on the touchline, pacing up and down like a father-to be at a maternity ward, waiting for the birth of his son, Rise and Shine, behind and with nothing to lose, took the game to Pirates in the opening stages of the first half, but Pirates' defence quickly extinguished that fire. That stability allowed Ouaddou to introduce fresh legs and new faces as Yanela Mbuthuma, Tshepang Moremi, Abdoulaye Mariko made their respective debuts. The debutants ensured that Pirates protected their lead and came out victorious as they'll now turn their focus to the start of the Betway Premiership on Saturday against Sekhukhune.
The Citizen
32 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Appollis helps Pirates make perfect start to MTN8 title defence
Goals from Appollis and Maswanganyi were enough to send the Buccaneers to the semifinals of the MTN8. Orlando Pirates made sure to continue defending their title by booking a spot into the semifinals of the MTN8 after they defeated Polokwane City 2-0 at a sold-out Orlando Stadium on Saturday. A well-taken goal by Oswin Appollis against his former team and a penalty from Patrick Maswanganyi gave the Buccaneers a bright start to their title defence. ALSO READ: In-demand Ribeiro sends message to Sundowns supporters It was not only the perfect start for the Buccaneers, but it was also the start that new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou would have wished for. As expected, Pirates dominated possession from the first whistle and Appollis almost scored in the first minute of the match, but his shot went narrowly wide of goal. Appollis was not to be denied from scoring on debut for Pirates against his former team when he coolly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper in the 13th minute to give the Buccaneers the lead. With Pirates putting them under tremendous pressure, Polokwane City resorted to playing counter-attacking football and trying to score from long range. Appollis, who was causing all sorts of problems for the City defence, earned Pirates a penalty in the 33rd minute after he was fouled inside the box. Maswanganyi stepped up and converted the spot kick to make sure that the Buccaneers took a comfortable 2-0 lead into the half-time break. The visitors took the game to the hosts in the second half as they looked for some goals of their own, but it was Pirates who looked likely to score another goal. Deon Hotto was unlucky not to score the third goal for the Buccaneers in the 65th minute when the ball hit the crossbar from his well-taken free kick just outside the box. Ouaddou also gave Tshepang Moremi and Yanela Mbuthuma their Pirates debuts in the second half, but they could not add to the goal tally from the first half. In the end, the goals from Appollis and Maswanganyi were enough to send the Buccaneers to the semifinals of the MTN8.
The South African
32 minutes ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates crush Polokwane to secure MTN8 semi-final spot
Orlando Pirates kicked off the 2025/2026 season in style by cruising to a 2-0 victory over Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-finals at a buzzing Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Abdeslam Ouaddou, leading the Buccaneers for the first time, made bold choices with his starting line-up, fielding Bandile Shandu at right-back, Boitumelo Radiopane in attack, and handing three new signings their debuts in midfield. Sihle Nduli, Sipho Mbule, and Oswin Appollis. The tactical gamble paid off immediately. Oswin Appollis, fresh from a surprise off-season switch from Polokwane, punished his former side with a composed finish in the 14th minute. The move that led to the opener showcased quick interplay between Mbule, Nduli, and Radiopane, before Appollis coolly slotted past Brian Mwire to send the home fans into early celebrations. Just past the half-hour mark, Appollis again made headlines, this time by winning a penalty after being brought down in the area. Patrick 'Tito' Maswanganyi calmly converted from the spot to double the lead and ignited scenes of joy. Ouaddou's charges controlled the match with authority, allowing Polokwane only fleeting chances on the counter, all of which the Pirates defence managed well. In the second half, Appollis continued to torment his former teammates but eventually left the field with cramps. Tshepang Moremi replaced him, also making his debut. He joined fellow debutants Yanela Mbuthuma and Abdoulaye Mariko in a second-half showing that underlined Pirates' squad depth. With this convincing win, Orlando Pirates advanced to the MTN8 semi-finals. The draw for the next round will take place soon, with the ties set to be played over two legs. As seven players, including the coach, marked their official debuts, the signs are clear. Ouaddou's Orlando Pirates are not here to play it safe. They've come to dominate. Can Orlando Pirates go all the way? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
