From being labelled 'plumber' to cup specialist and unleashing the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota & co - How Jose Riveiro can become Orlando Pirates' best ever coach

Doubts amongst fans were over Jose Riveiro when he was appointed Orlando Pirates coach.

The 47-year-old was then labelled a "plumber," a derogatory word used to describe overseas coaches who arrive in Africa with little to show for their coaching careers.

But Riveiro managed to win three straight MTN8 titles as well as back-to-back Nedbank Cup titles and former Buccaneers coach Augusto Palacios tips the Spaniard to achieve more before he leaves Pirates at the end of the current season.

"It's sad news [Riveiro's departure]. He's already one of the best coaches in Pirates history... you can't say he's the greatest because you must not forget people like Ruud Krol and Roy Barreto,'' Palacios told Sowetan Live.

"However, if he can win the Caf [Champions League], he'd be rightfully considered the best Pirates coach of all time. He can still win the league and the Caf, I believe he can do it and claim that status of being the greatest.

"He built a lot of youngsters, making them big and for that I respect him a lot."

What could make Riveiro one of the greatest ever Pirates coaches is that the Buccaneers are still in the running to win a number of major trophies this season.

The Soweto giants are bidding for a first Caf Champions League title since 1995 and they are in the hunt for the Premier Soccer League title.

Riveiro is also on course to winning a third straight Nedbank Cup, placing Pirates within a chance of winning a quadruple.

This is also a coach known for his belief in young blood after handing heavy responsibilities to starlets like Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota and Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

With Pirates still having a lot to play for this season, Palacios believes the announcement of Riveiro's departure will not have a negative impact on the team.

"I don't think the news will do any harm. Players will now want to play for him more than ever to give him a nice farewell,'' Palacios said.

Meanwhile, Riveiro has been linked with the Morocco national team job, according to KickOff.