Most Orlando Pirates supporters dreaded it, but it has finally arrived: Their esteemed coach, Jose Riveiro, will take charge of his last game against the Golden Arrows on Tuesday night.
The Sea Robbers host Abafana Bes’thende in a Betway Premiership match at Orlando Stadium at 19:30.
The club confirmed on Monday that the Spaniard will make his last dance as the Pirates boss in the fixture, as Riveiro requested to be released early from his contract, which was due to end later this month.
The Buccaneers’ management had already announced the mentor would not be renewing his contract beyond the end of the season.
That left scores of Pirates supporters shattered as they had fallen in love with the club again, thanks to Riveiro and how he modernised it.
But now it has appeared that the Spanish-born coach has signed with a new club, and it looks like they need him to join them as soon as possible.
Egyptian giants Al Ahly, who are preparing for the Fifa Club World Cup in the US next month, have been heavily linked with him.
Before officially joining his next club, Riveiro would be keen to sign off on a positive note with the Sea Robbers.
That will mean getting another positive result against the Arrows side they defeated 2-1 a week ago.
The coach, who lost the Nedbank Cup final to Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, has already helped the Buccaneers secure the second spot on the log and qualify for the Caf Champions League next season.
Meanwhile, the Durban-based Abafana Bes’thende urgently need all the points to lift themselves out of the relegation quagmire.
Arrows are three points above the relegation spot occupied by Cape Town City. The Durbanites are on 26 points after 24 matches. City have played two more games compared to Arrows.
How to watch
The match will be broadcast on SuperSport Channel 202 from 19:25, with streaming also available on Showmax.
Live commentary will be available on various SABC radio stations.
Head-to-head
06.05.25 – PL – Golden Arrows 1-2 Orlando Pirates
06.04.24 – PL – Orlando Pirates 7-1 Golden Arrows
17.12.23 – PL – Golden Arrows 1-2 Orlando Pirates
14.01.23 – PL – Orlando Pirates 3-1 Golden Arrows
18.10.22 – PL – Golden Arrows 0-2 Orlando Pirates
Betting odds
Pirates have continued to dominate this fixture even when Riveiro sent a largely changed squad last week, as he rested some of the regular players for the final.
With this being the coach’s last game, you can expect a lot of emotions from the Pirates side as the players will be eager to give the mentor a perfect send-off. Expects some goals here. To place a bet, head over to Hollywoodbets.net.
4/10 Pirates | Draw 7/2 | Arrows 7/1
Players to watch
The visitors will hope that Siyanda Mthanti, who scored in last week’s defeat, will bring his A-game again and will be supported by players such as skipper Nduduzo Sibiya upfront.
Riveiro will hope players such as Mohau Nkota, Relebohile Mofokeng and Mbekezeli Mbokazi continue their fine form.
🚨UPCOMING GAME🚨
— Lamontville Golden Arrows FC (@goldenarrowsfc1) May 12, 2025
🏆 #betwaypremiership
🆚 @orlandopirates
🗓️ Tues 13 May 2025
🏟️ Orlando Stadium
⏰ 19:30
📺 SS PSL#10betgoldenarrows #greenandgold #sthendeway pic.twitter.com/sIQff8DiMZ
