Former Orlando Pirates winger Dikgang Mabalane has highlighted the similarities between Ruud Krol’s and Jose Riveiro’s departures.
Both coaches found success with the Buccaneers but chose not to renew their contracts after three years. Krol won a treble in his final year but left the club when his contract expired. Riveiro, who is currently in his last year, has won five trophies during his tenure. Last month, he announced that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Orlando Pirates first lost Krol, now Riveiro
Mabalane said it was strange that both coaches would leave the club on a high.
“I wish I knew the reason for that [his exit], strange enough, we also in my era, we won the treble, and Krol left when he was on a high, and the same [could] happen with Riveiro, it could make things interesting,” the Orlando Pirates legend said as per iDiskiTimes.
“I’m not sure the real reason for it, but maybe something out of his control. But yeah, he has done well for the club, I think sometimes it’s better leaving on a high, but I would have wanted to see him carry on with the club.
“Maybe leading them also to a league title, he seemed to be the man to do it, I think whoever comes in, undoubtedly, would be the mandate for the new coach coming in.”
Krol and Riveiro are arguably two of the most successful coaches Orlando Pirates have had in the PSL era. The Buccaneers are yet to find Riveiro’s replacement.
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