The instability around the Orlando Pirates technical team has created doubts over whether head coach Jose Riveiro would stay beyond the 2024/25 season.
Riveiro has become the most successful coach in Pirates' history in the PSL era, after winning five trophies in two-and-half seasons.
Having clocked over 100 games for the Soweto giants, the Spanish coach became only the second tactician to reach that milestone at Pirates in the PSL era and by the end of the season, the 47-year-old mentor would have surpassed the record currently held by Ruud Krol of 119 matches at the helm.
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In spite of the backing from The Buccaneers supporters, Riveiro is yet to get guarantees over his future, with his contract running out at the end of June 2025.
Even though it could appear that it should be routine for the Spanish coach to renew his contract, given his success, the recent departures of technical team members at the club has raised eyebrows.
Initially, former assistant coach Sergio Almenara and fitness coach Miguel Bellver tendered their resignations at the end of the 2023/24, both citing "personal reasons" for quitting.
After roping in former Stellenbosch analyst Devin O'Brien in June, O'Brien also left the Buccaneers after four months, due to "personal reasons".
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Although there is nothing to suggest Riveiro is not enjoying a cordial relationship with the hierarchy at Ezimnyama, winning the Betway Premiership could complicate negotiations over a contract extension, as the Spanish coach could attract interest from overseas clubs.
At the end of the 2010/11 season, it was inconceivable that Pirates would not renew Krol's contract, which expired after they had won a historic treble.
But the two parties could not come to an agreement over a new deal, due to financial reasons.
In 2015, former Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter surprisingly left the club with a year left on his contract, after just winning the league and cup double in two out of three seasons.
Even though Riveiro has trophies to back his extended stay at Pirates, it appears it would be easier said than done to dot the i's and cross the t's on a new deal, especially if he becomes the first Buccaneer coach to win a league trophy since the 2011/12 campaign.