Jose Riveiro Opens on Links With Bafana Bafana, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns

Jose Riveiro Opens on Links With Bafana Bafana, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns

  • Jose Riveiro has broken his silence concerning constant talks linking him with the Bafana Bafana job, as SAFA are looking for a successor for Hugo Broos
  • The former Orlando Pirates mentor also addressed the rumours linking him with Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and other Premier Soccer League sides
  • The Spanish tactician's comments sparked different reactions from social media users online

Former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has addressed the rumours linking him to some of the biggest coaching positions in South Africa, including the Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs jobs.

Al Ahly, Jose Riveiro, FIFA Club World Cup, FC Porto.
Jose Riveiro speaks to members of the press during the Training/Press Conference ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between Al Ahly FC and FC Porto. Photo: Elsa
Source: Getty Images

Riveiro’s name has surfaced in conversations about both roles, with the Bafana position expected to open after the 2026 World Cup when veteran coach Hugo Broos retires.

At the same time, Kaizer Chiefs may also be in the market for a new head coach by the end of the season. The club chose to continue with Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze as co-coaches following the departure of Nasreddine Nabi, but the duo still needs to prove themselves before the end of the campaign.

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Riveiro comments on Bafana, Chiefs, Sundowns link

Riveiro, who has been unemployed since his dismissal by Egyptian giants Al Ahly in September, was asked about the possibility of taking over the Bafana Bafana job, but he chose to remain guarded in his response.

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When he was unveiled as the Carling Black Label Brand Advocate, he described the current period as a special moment for South African football. He expressed respect for the national team’s current coach, saying he should be allowed to complete his journey. What happens afterwards, he added, remains uncertain.

When questioned about whether Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, or any other South African club had approached him, the Spaniard was direct, insisting he would not coach another local side. He reiterated his loyalty to his former club by saying, “I’m a Pirate. Always,” and made it clear that if a coaching opportunity arose in South Africa, his answer would not change.

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Jose Riveiro breaks silence on fallout with Monnapule Saleng at Orlando Pirates

Riveiro also hinted at a possible return to Europe, confirming that he has already held discussions with several clubs on the continent.

Jose Riveiro, Al Ahly, Pyramids FC, Egyptian Premier League.
Jose Riveiro present looks on during the Egyptian Premier League match between Al Ahly and Pyramids FC at Al Salam International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt. Photo: Ayman Aref
Source: Getty Images

Clive Clifford Nkuna said:

"That's the terms and conditions Khoza gave him when he left Pirates for Al Ahly. Remember David Thediela's article."

Timothy Langa wrote:

"Imagine if he could be brought to coach Bafana Bafana. We'll suffer the double Hugo singa Makhosi🤣."

Thabo Lerato Francis Nthabi shared:

"And I remember Samuel Eto, saying, 'I'll never play for Jose Mourinho! And suddenly boom! He was recalled, played and coached by Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan FC after FC Barcelona released Him! So, Jose Riveiro must swallow His pride as He never knows what the future is holding for Him!"

Yolile O'shea implied:

"Don't force things, Chiefs, at Sundowns we have Dan Malisela and Pitso. Rhulani is our ball boy, while Compela is our water boy."

Eugene Ledwaba reacted:

Read also

Ex-Pirates coach Riveiro addresses future coaching role as Sundowns rumours grow

"Wait until Sundowns send him an offer, he will even forget that he wanted to be next to his family in Spain."

Mandisi Khuzeni Zikalala added:

"He has an abiding contract with the Pirates that says he will never coach any Team except Pirates in South Africa."

Riveiro predicts Carling Knocout Cup winner

Briefly News also reported that Jose Riveiro has predicted the team that would win the Carling Knockout Cup this season.

The competition's final would be between Riveiro's former team, Orlando Pirates, and Marumo Gallants

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Raphael Abiola avatar

Raphael Abiola (Sports editor) Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over seven years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015. Raphael previously worked as a football editor at Stakegains (2016-2018) and a content editor with Opera News Nigeria (2018-2023). Raphael then worked as an Editor for the Local Desk at Sports Brief (2023-2024). Reach him via email at raphael.abiola@sportsbrief.com.