Extra Time: Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro could be the next to lose his job, writes Michael Madyira.
Two Premier Soccer League coaches have so far lost their jobs this season, and a third coach could be sacked soon.
Shaun Bartlett was the first casualty after Cape Town Spurs sacked him in early October following a seven-game winless run.
He was followed by Molefi Ntseki, who endured a difficult relationship with Kaizer Chiefs fans who pelted him with missiles on three occasions.
More casualties are expected as several coaches are skating on thin ice. Orlando Pirates’ Jose Riveiro is one of the coaches who could be shown the exit door next.
The Buccaneers find themselves 13th on the PSL table, having managed two wins, three draws and as many defeats.
They have also been eliminated from the CAF Champions League which was a priority for the Sea Robbers this season.
Making their Champions League exit a bitter pill to swallow was the calibre of opposition which dumped them out, Jwaneng Galaxy from Botswana.
But Riveiro soothed Buccaneers fans by winning the MTN8 in October and established himself as a mastermind of Cup games.
However, the ever-demanding and hard-to-please Buccaneers fans are growing impatient due to their team’s inconsistency in the PSL.
Pirates hit a new low on Wednesday when they were beaten 2-1 by basement side Cape Town Spurs.
The Urban Warriors were on an eight-game beaten run until they recorded their first victory of the season by upsetting the Soweto Giants.
That result further placed Riveiro’s job at risk and the Spaniard now has to pick himself up.
Saturday’s Carling Knockout quarter-final clash with struggling Richards Bay is a match the Buccaneers cannot afford to lose.
The Natal Rich Boyz could doom Pirates and it is also a game that could save Riveiro’s head and place him on course for another piece of silverware.
If he is still around, next week’s Soweto Derby is another crucial match that could determine the Spaniard’s fate.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro and his assistant Sergio Almenara.
Image source: Orlando Pirates
