Riveiro Ends on Good Note As Pirates Thrash Golden Arrows in Betway Premiership

• Orlando Pirates gave Jose Riveiro a befitting farewell with a commanding 3-0 victory over Lamontville Golden Arrows at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday evening
• Tshegofatso Mabasa opened the scoring, followed by goals from Bandile Shandu, and Kabelo Dlamini to seal the win as the Bucs kept their title hopes alive
• The victory means league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns must avoid defeat against Chippa United to clinch their eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title

Orlando Pirates gave Jose Riveiro a perfect farewell after losing to Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup over the weekend as they defeated Lamontville Golden Arrows 3-0 at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday evening, May 13.

Goals from Tshegofatso Mabasa, Bandile Shandu, and Kabelo Dlamini handed the Sea Robbers all three points in the Betway Premiership against the Backheel Boys.

The win means Mamelodi Sundowns must avoid defeat against Chippa United to secure their eighth consecutive championship title.

The Spanish tactician is reportedly going to be named the new coach of Al Ahly, and would be in charge of the Egyptian giants for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup which will kick off next month.

Pirates defeat Golden Arrows in Betway Premiership

Pirates started the match on a positive note, with the players eager to give their outgoing coach a perfect farewell after announcing his departure from the club. Golden Arrows had a few chances in the opening minutes, but it was the Sea Robbers who took the lead in the 16th minute.

Relebohile Mofokeng’s wonderful run down the wing left a Golden Arrows defender stranded as the South African international set up Tshegofatso Mabasa for the first goal of the game.

The Soweto giants came close to adding a second three minutes later, as Bandile Shandu surged forward from deep, but his shot was narrowly deflected wide.

After assisting Mabasa’s opener, Mofokeng made a crucial defensive contribution, denying the visitors a chance to equalise with some excellent defensive work in the 20th minute.

Arrows posed a threat with a tricky ball floated into the box, but Pirates’ defence cleared the danger after an initial fumble in the closing stages of the first half.

Five minutes after the restart, Mabasa’s cutback into the middle evaded everyone and fell perfectly for Mohau Nkota, but he was denied by a superb save from Ismail Watenga.

On the hour mark, Shandu bundled home the second goal as the Buccaneers continued to assert their dominance in the match.

Dlamini calmly converted a free-kick for the third goal just five minutes after Shandu’s strike, making the match feel more like an exhibition.

In the 81st minute, Boitumelo Radiopane seized an opportunity following sloppy defending from Arrows but was a split second too late to reach the ball.

The Bucs' victory keeps their title aspirations alive, but league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns look likely to defend the title for the eighth consecutive season as they only need only one point from their remaining two matches this campaign.

Jose Riveiro's achievements at Pirates

José Riveiro's tenure at Orlando Pirates commenced in July 2022 and it was marked by significant achievements.

Under his leadership, Orlando Pirates secured five major trophies: three consecutive MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups.

Despite these successes, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title remained elusive. However, Riveiro's strategic acumen transformed the Pirates into a formidable force in South African football.

Riveiro's departure from Orlando Pirates has been a topic of discussion for several weeks, with reports suggesting his imminent appointment at Al Ahly.

However, official confirmation is pending, reportedly due to negotiations concerning assistant coaching staff and contractual terms.

Golden Arrows in relegation battle

Golden Arrows have faced challenges this season. They are currently placed 14th in the league, having secured six wins, eight draws, and suffered eleven losses.

Their recent form indicates a need for strategic adjustments to avoid relegation threats.

Pirates appoint new interim coach

Briefly News earlier reported that Pirates have confirmed the appointment of a new interim coach as Riveiro is being allowed to leave early.

The Spanish tactician requested to leave early rather than June as his new club wants him on the job as soon as possible.

Nomso Obiajuru was a contributing writer in this article.

Source: Briefly News