Orlando Pirates say goodbye to first-team coach

Orlando Pirates have confirmed the departure of first-team assistant coach Sergio Almenara.

BUCS SAY FAREWELL TO ASSISTANT COACH

Orlando Pirates have parted ways with their assistant coach, Sergio Almenara.

“This is a decision I took with a heavy heart,” said Almenara. “I have a young family back in Finland. They have been unable to integrate into the country (SA).”

RIVEIRO STAYING PUT

Meanwhile, head coach Jose Riviero is going nowhere amid links to a switch to Europe. According to SoccerLaduma, Jose Riveiro is going nowhere after leading the Sea Robbers to more silverware.

“The coach has done well, and the management is pleased with the progress he has made. Those (reports on overseas interest) were just rumours. The parties have been happy with the working relationship and there isn’t any talk of potential changes at the moment. Yes, the league is an important trophy to go for but there is no reason to press the panic button. In fact, you can expect the club and the coach to engage over long-term plans,” the source said.

DOUBLE-DOUBLE IN THE BAG, MORE TO COME?

Under Riveiro, The Sea Robbers have won four domestic cups with the last two successes coming at the expense of DStv Prem champions Sundowns. The next frontier for Riveiro and his players is to mount a serious league title challenge and make deep progress in the CAF Champions League. However, what’s clear is that this group is capable of winning cups and performing in big matches.

EX-BUCS BOSS TAKES CHARGE IN BOTOLA PRO 1 TITLE RACE

With just one match left to play, Nasreddine Nabi’s FAR Rabat side is a point adrift of Raja Casablanca in the race for the Botola Pro 1 title. A costly 2-2 draw against Moghreb Tetouan means domestic glory this season is no longer in Rabat’s hands. Josef Zinnbauer, once the Orlando Pirates manager, can steer his Raja side to the title with a win on the final day. FAR Rabat has been in control of the race for several weeks but let it slip at a crucial moment. Nabi is no stranger to success after steering Yanga in Tanzania to back-to-back trebles, so failing at the last hurdle here would be a foreign feeling.

CAN JOSE RIVEIRO MOUNT A TITLE CHALLENGE WITH PIRATES NEXT SEASON?

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