Is it about principles? The reason why José Riveiro decided to leave Orlando Pirates revealed

The management of Orlando Pirates is in a very tough spot. As the season comes to a close, the club is still in the running for trophies in three different competitions and is a real contender for the CAF Champions League title for the first time in 30 years. However, besides the sporting challenges, the "Buccaneers" bosses will have to tackle the issue of finding a new head coach, as José Riveiro has announced his decision to leave the club next summer.

Riveiro's contract, signed in 2021 for three seasons, is coming to an end. It seemed that the current successes would lead directly to a new contract. However, it appears that the decision to part ways came from the Spanish specialist himself, not the club.

The fact is, in a previous interview, the coach let slip that he tries not to stay in one place for more than three years.

“I don't think you as a coach should spend more than three years in the same place. For me, that's the maximum, with exceptions. Of course, much depends on the club's philosophy and how much you refresh the squad each year. In the context I have now, three years is the right time to look for a new challenge,” said José Riveiro.

Interestingly, the 47-year-old native of Vigo, Spain has indeed never worked anywhere for more than three years, even if it was in an assistant role.

• Teis 1998 - 2001
• Rápido Bouzas (youth) 2001 - 2003
• Teis 2003 - 2006
• Mondariz - 2010 - 2014
• Choco (youth) 2010 - 2011
• Celta Vigo (youth) 2011 - 2014
• Honka (assistant) 2014
• PK-35 Vantaa (assistant) 2015 - 2016
• HJK (assistant) 2016 - 2018
• Inter Turku 2019 - 2021
• Orlando Pirates 2022 - 2024

It is not yet known who will become the new head coach of Orlando Pirates. Dailysports understands that the search for the head coach for the next season has already begun, but it's too early to talk about any specifics. Moreover, the club itself has promised not to announce Riveiro's replacement before the summer.