Orlando Pirates' new coach! Why Dr Irvin Khoza must make the right appointment to ensure Bucs build on Jose Riveiro’s legacy

The ‘Spanish Guitar’, as Riveiro had been affectionately known during his spell with the Soweto giants, built a formidable team that won just about every domestic trophy.

Although the big Premier Soccer League title and the Caf Champions League trophies remained elusive, there was a sense that they would eventually come had the Spaniard stuck around long enough.

Riveiro, though, departed for Egypt to join Al Ahly. He left Pirates with a solid foundation, having unearthed a plethora of talented youngsters and established a clear blueprint for his successor.

Before Riveiro arrived in Mzansi, 24-year-olds were often regarded as “youngsters” who had a lot of potential.

However, all that has changed in recent years, and it’s largely down to Riveiro’s gamble of trusting young players from Pirates’ academy at the highest level in the local game.

The likes of Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Thabiso Sesane have become key players in the senior team, thanks to Riveiro’s trust.

As he was preparing for his departure, the Spaniard continued to provide a platform for the youngsters, giving opportunities to the likes of Siyabonga Dladla, Simphiwe Selepe, and Yanga Madiba, among others.

It’s important that Pirates replace Riveiro with another coach who believes wholeheartedly in giving young players a chance.

Riveiro’s legacy will be felt long after he’s gone — not just in the trophy cabinet, but in the confidence he’s instilled in his players.

Teamwork and togetherness, during happy and challenging times, were the hallmark of his Pirates team that will go down as one of the most successful in the club’s history.

Pirates played with swagger and confidence over the past couple of seasons, and team spirit as well as camaraderie were key factors.

It is essential for the new man at the helm at the beginning of the season to ensure that these are not lost.

It's fair to say a trophy-less first season in charge will not be acceptable for whoever takes charge, given his predecessor never experienced that.

Riveiro’s successor will have to hit the ground running as far as trophies are concerned, ensuring they live up to the high expectations at the club.

The Spaniard set the bar extremely high, and Pirates’ next coach will unfortunately have to match or exceed his achievements.

Pirates have won at least one trophy in the last three seasons, and the club’s demanding supporters will demand nothing less from their new man.

The Sea Robbers have been challenging strongly for every trophy over the past three campaigns, but fell short in some of the bigger ones.

Although Riveiro delivered three successive MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups during his successful stay, he was unable to win the PSL and the Caf Champions League.

Pirates’ next coach will hope to succeed where the 49-year-old failed and finally end Mamelodi Sundowns’ PSL dominance.

The trusted tactician will also intend to go deep in the Champions League with the hope of adding that elusive second star, a feat that would surely see them better Riveiro’s achievements.

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