Orlando Pirates have confirmed that head coach Jose Riveiro is set to be in the dugout for the final time on Tuesday.

The Buccaneers have granted Riveiro an early release from his contract, which was expected to run until the end of June 2025.

The Spanish tactician will be at the helm of the club for the final time when they take on Golden Arrows at the Orlando Stadium in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday evening.

Mandla Ncikazi will take charge of the team on an interim basis and he will be assisted by Head Performance Analyst Rayaan Jacobs and the rest of the Club’s technical staff.

Riveiro leaves the club having won five trophies, including two Nedbank Cup titles and three MTN8 trophies, while finishing runners-up in the league in the 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to Orlando Pirates for allowing me the opportunity to leave before the end of my contract. As someone who has never found goodbyes easy, this moment is particularly emotional for me,” Riveiro said in a statement.

“I am deeply grateful to everyone at the Club – from management and technical staff to the players and the many individuals behind the scenes who work tirelessly to support the team.

“To the players, thank you for believing in the journey we shared and for giving everything on the pitch. And to the supporters. When I first arrived, I challenged you to come out in your numbers and rally behind your team. You did that, and more. You turned every match into a moment to remember, and your passion is something I will carry with me forever.

“Thank you for allowing me to be part of this great Club’s story.”