Ex-Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi hails 'gambling' Jose Riveiro for taking chances with young players and outlines the ideal character traits for the Spaniard's replacement

Jose Riveiro is leaving Orlando Pirates at the end of the current season after spending three trophy-laden terms with the Soweto giants.

It was a tenure in which he is credited for unleashing the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Thabiso Sesane.

Former Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi has applauded Riveiro for being spot-on in his risks with young players and the character traits of someone who should replace the Spaniard.

“I was so impressed that he was giving youngsters a chance, he was gambling. Most of the teams don’t do that,” Lekgwathi told FARPost. 

“So, yeah, man, it’s sad to lose a coach like him who is so humble and doesn’t shout, sits on the bench. 

“You know youngsters, when the coach is harsh to them, they become scared to play. But when you look at the Orlando Pirates coach, he’s so humble and calm. That’s why when those youngsters are given a chance to play, they can perform," said the former Buccaneers skipper.

“I was telling someone that my wish is to have a coach like him. I want someone who’s humble, who doesn’t fight referees and everything, a coach who doesn’t talk too much but their talk is on the field.”

Premier Soccer League coaches have long been introducing youngsters to top-flight league football, although it seems that Riveiro has had the most success with Pirates' flock of up-and-coming teenagers.

At Mamelodi Sundowns, the likes of Siyabonga Mabena, Malibongwe Khoza and Thapelo Maseko have been produced and promise to be future players in South African football.

Kaizer Chiefs also have young players who include Mfundo Vilakazi, Wandile Duba and Mduduzi Shabalala who are carrying the hopes of an underachieving side.

It is to be seen which coach Pirates will settle for to replace the outgoing Riveiro but they would be wise to heed their former captain's advice.

A coach who can develop the youngsters coming through the academy structures will save the club transfer fees and develop the players' sell-on value, all of which will help the club compete with the financial muscle of perennial PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns.