Now into the final stretch of the 2024/25 season, Riveiro's initial three-year deal signed upon his arrival in South Africa in 2022 is set to run up, with many Buccaneers supporters hopeful he would continue his legacy of silverware beyond the end of the campaign.

With the Betway Premiership the major trophy missing from Pirates' cabinet in the last 13 years, some remain hopeful the Spaniard's serial cup success – coupled with his back-to-back league runners-up finishes – shows he is the right man to end that drought.

However, when asked by SABC Sport whether his future hinges on their title challenge this season, he refused to comment on his personal situation and instead emphasised his focus and responsibility on Sunday's top-of-the-table clash with Mamelodi Sundowns.

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"I think we have to focus on the next game, this is a press conference about the game against Mamelodi Sundowns, it's not a personal interview to talk about my future or how important whatever is coming is going to be for me," said Riveiro.

"It's about Orlando Pirates, it's about having an important game in two days, trying to get ready after three tough games in a row since we played in Port Elizabeth [Gqeberha] until today, with good performances, good results and the possibility of finding ourselves in a cup semi-final again.

"So I think there are a lot of things to talk about the team and what's coming for them, and I think whether Riveiro is going to be or not going to be, or the league or not the league, I think it's not the time to talk about it, sorry."

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