Orlando Pirates have reportedly set one key condition that their next coach must meet as they look for a successor to Jose Riveiro.
Riveiro ended his three-year stint early this week with reports saying he is due to be unveiled by Egyptian giants Al Ahly as Marcel Koller’s successor.
However, the Spanish tactician had announced in April that he will not be renewing his contract, with Pirates on the lookout for the best possible candidate to replace him.
What do Pirates want in their next coach?
According to Soccer Laduma, Pirates want their next coach to be a man who will continue Riveiro’s legacy of promoting youth, besides challenging for trophies.
Promoting young players into the senior team had been the hallmark of Riveiro with a number of stars in the current Pirates team given opportunities by the Spanish coach and the club is keen not to lose this.
Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Thabiso Sesane, Siyabonga Ndlozi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Simphiwe Selepe, Yanga Madiba and Cemran Dansin, who was handed an opportunity in Riveiro’s final match on Tuesday, are the names who were unknown before the Spanish coach brought them to the fore.
Bucs demands could rule out some candidates
Pirates therefore want a coach that will continue this legacy as it is key to their objectives and not just a team of superstars brought in through big-money transfers.
That condition could perhaps rule out some candidates like Pitso Mosimane who values experience with an emphasis on winning at all cost while names like Rulani Mokwena and Benni McCarthy align with this philosophy due to their inclination to playing youngsters.
Pirates also want a coach who will win while playing an attractive brand of football, another trait that aligns with what Riveiro was all about.
