OUCH! Orlando Pirates to lose coach and star players in June?

Orlando Pirates are on the brink of several major departures. The Buccaneers take Mamelodi Sundowns this weekend.

Orlando Pirates star Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo in danger of leaving the club. Image: Gallo Images

A number of Orlando Pirates’ high-profile figures are yet to confirm their future at the club, insinuating a major shake-up on the horizon.

Spanish boss Jose Riveiro is perhaps the most pressing concern; the three-time MTN8 Cup winner refused to sign the Buccaneer’s contract extension at the start of the season, opting to decide once the season concludes.

Earlier in the season, the 49-year-old manager was reportedly dealing with homesickness, having left his wife and young daughter when moving to Soweto in 2022. This is believed to be the main factor halting negotiations and could be the instigator of Riveiro’s departure.

“He has made it clear that he misses home and family,” a source revealed before confirming that he “will only consider his future at the end of the season. However, the club has already opened talks with his representatives, hoping for the best outcome.”

Players on the verge of exits

Losing a top-tier coach is one thing; losing several star players could tilt the club into oblivion.

Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng and Monnapule Saleng are each linked with moves away; such departures would be detrimental to Orlando Pirates 2025/26 season as reestablishing cohesiveness after a major reshuffle takes time. Just ask Kaizer Chiefs.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has hinted at this being Mofokeng’s last season in the PSL, saying,

“Talking about Mofokeng, I just hope that he makes the right decisions. And that he is not going to a team where he won’t play,

“I see all the things around, Barcelona and Rangers and… (sighs) I’m a little bit afraid. I just hope that the people around make the choice of the best sportive solution and not the best financial solution.”

“Okay, I think his parents want the best for him, that’s for sure. But there is another guy who wants to win a lot of money also, but that’s the problem. But ok, let’s hope, maybe I talked too soon about that,

“We’ll see. I think in June, Rele will not be a player of Orlando Pirates anymore, but a good choice is very important.”