Orlando Pirates legend Deshi Bhaktawer has offered his insights on the qualities the Buccaneers should look for in their next head coach, following the announced departure of Jose Riveiro at the end of the current season.
Pirates confirmed last week that their Spanish coach, Riveiro, will depart in June when his contract concludes.
Having been appointed in 2022, many now regard him as the club's most successful coach in recent memory, given his achievements and impressive statistics in a relatively short period.
Bhaktawer believes Riveiro's exit will inevitably disrupt the team's momentum, as a new coach may require time to settle in, unlike the former Inter Turku manager.
The former goalkeeper also suggested that Pirates should look to appoint someone who is open to promoting young players and is willing to commit to the club for more than three years.
WHAT TYPE OF A COACH PIRATES NEED
“Jose Riveiro moving on, I think it's gonna have quite an impact as he has settled in quite nicely, and suddenly he's gone,” notes Bhaktawer.
“So, with a different coach, it's always going to take a while to get going again, but as you know, as a club, you have to get on with it. You have no option.
“You always find two types of coaches – there's a coach who always wants to bring in younger players and a coach who will go with experience.
“If you get a coach that looks forward to the future and is prepared to bring in younger players, that's a coach I would stick with.
“Pirates, I think, should model their incoming coach to the one they have now, but at the same time, a coach who is prepared to stay longer than three years.”
Bhaktawer also suggested that Pirates should consider appointing another Spanish coach, perhaps one with a similar approach to Riveiro, to ensure the team can build on the foundation laid by the current manager.
‘I WOULD LOOK TO ANOTHER SPANISH COACH’
“It's very difficult to compare coaches. It's unfair to compare them,” he added.
“Recycling coaches in this day and age, as it used to happen during our time, is not the best way to go, you know. I think they should go for a completely new coach.
“Having worked with the Spanish people myself, I have great respect for them. So, if I was Pirates, I would look for another Spanish coach again so the transition will be simple.”
