Orlando Pirates legend saddened by Jose Riveiro’s departure and believes the Spaniard revived the team and deserves to be celebrated for his impact - 'The club will not be derailed'

The imminent exit of Jose Riveiro after three successful years at Orlando Pirates has shocked many of the club’s supporters. During his time with the Buccaneers, he delivered silverware and restored the team’s identity.

Arriving in South Africa as a relatively unknown coach, Riveiro quickly earned respect through his attractive and disciplined brand of football.

He connected with the fans, affectionately known as the "Happy People," who embraced him wholeheartedly.

With three competitions still to play for, his departure feels sudden and emotional.

Pirates legend Teboho Moloi believes the coach deserves to be honoured for reviving the club's culture and belief.

Moloi insists the Spaniard's legacy must be remembered and celebrated, regardless of how the season ends.

"Sadly, the coach has to leave; he integrated himself into the club's culture; he understood what being a Buccaneer means," said Moloi as reported by KickOff.

"I believe the youngsters at the club will not be derailed by his departure because having youngsters in the team is not new at Pirates. Even my father Percy Moloi and Kaizer Motaung were very young when they joined Pirates, the tradition went onto the likes of Jomo.

"At one stage Augusto Palacios had 13 youngsters from the Pirates development in a Soweto Derby. Seven starting and six on the bench. It seems Riveiro read the script on what a Pirates team should look like.

"Before that, we also had Lesley Manyathela, Tso Vilakazi and Dukuduku Makhanya, Gift Leremi, Lebohang Mokoena, Excellent Walaza, and even Senzo Meyiwa.

"Riveiro has brought back all that culture, and the only fitting way to thank him is to give the biggest send-off at the OR Tambo International Airport. The biggest to be given to a coach.

"This is the coach that has brought together the spiritual owners of the club. He has brought out their passion. When I grew up Pirates supporters were known as unruly and angry people, but nowadays they are happy people, they sing during games.

"Riveiro, he connected so many dots together, reminding me of my days with Kosta Papic. Let's not put him under pressure; he has already given us so many trophies and a place in the Champions League semi-finals.

"This generation has reunited everybody, there is no pain at Pirates nowadays. All we feel is happiness."

Riveiro has already delivered the MTN8 title this season, adding to his growing legacy at the club.

With Pirates still in the running for the Nedbank Cup, the league and the Caf Champions League, there's a chance for a historic quadruple.

Winning the Champions League would be monumental, as it would end a 30-year drought since their famous 1995 triumph in Abidjan.

His potential to lift continental silverware would elevate his status as one of the club’s greatest coaches.

Riveiro leads his side against Marumo Gallants in the Nedbank Cup semi-final.

Pirates are the defending champions and will be looking to reach yet another final.