The South African club Orlando Pirates announced today, Monday, the departure of Spanish coach José Rivero from his position, before the end of the current season, after he requested to terminate the contract early following his signing with a new club.

The club clarified, in an official statement on its website, that Rivero will lead the team for the last time when they face Golden Arrows at Orlando Stadium tomorrow, Tuesday, in the South African league competition.

Rivero's departure comes after Orlando Pirates lost the final of the South African Cup to Kaizer Chiefs with a score of 2-1 last Saturday, and the team also exited the African Champions League in the semi-finals against Egyptian Pyramids, losing 3-2 on aggregate.

The club confirmed that assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi will take over the role temporarily until the end of the season, with performance analyst Ryan Jacobus and the rest of the coaching staff assisting him.

It is worth noting that Orlando Pirates lost the race for the league title this season, as Mamelodi Sundowns needs just one point to officially secure the title.