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Picture courtesy: (Orlando Pirates’ official Facebook page) Orlando Pirates Assistant coach Sergio Almenara is leaving the Soweto Giants Club.
(The Post News)- Orlando Pirates football team and fans were surprised by the departure of one technical staff coach Sergio Almenara.
Almenara is well known as the right hand of Head Coach Jose Riveiro.
Riveiro and Almenara have been working together hand in hand doing a great job building their profile.
Almenara leaves Soweto Giants having worked only two seasons since arriving in South Africa and he has managed to record about 4 Domestic cups.
Riveiro and Almenara have had an impressive debut season with Orlando Pirates, leading the club to victories in both the MTN8 and Nedbank Cups. Their leadership, combined with the expertise of South African coach Mandla Ntsikazi, helped the team secure a second-place finish in the DStv Premiership.
This successful season has rejuvenated the club’s status, echoing their historic achievement as the first South African team to win the CAF Champions League. The second-place league finish ensures that Orlando Pirates will once again compete at the highest level in African football, aiming to continue their legacy on the continental stage.
After the Nedbank Cup celebration, Orlando Pirates’ fans were surprised to hear about the departure of Almenara.
In a statement on the club’s website, Almenara addressed concerns about his role and attributed the success to teamwork. He emphasized the collaborative effort between himself, Riveiro, and their coaching staff, highlighting the importance of their collective contributions to Orlando Pirates’ achievements.
‘I have really enjoyed my stay here, but unfortunately, due to personal matters that the club is aware of, I can no longer continue with my job. I have a young family back in Finland. They have been unable to integrate into the country. I would have wished to stay longer, but unfortunately, it’s not possible.”
Additionally, Fortune Makharinge is saying goodbye to Orlando Pirates after spending about four seasons with the club. During his time as a midfielder, he featured in over 140 matches and scored around 10 goals in total.
Fans have praised him for his memorable assists and his role in winning three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cup trophies.
On social media, fans thanked him for his dedication to serving the club’s badge with pride and wished him the best.
Yoh pirates will never be the same without you guys