Orlando Pirates legend Happy Jele has looked back on the early days of Jose Riveiro's tenure at the club, when the Spanish coach's abilities were met with skepticism.
Despite initial doubts, Riveiro quickly silenced his critics by securing the MTN8 trophy within his first three months at the helm of the Soweto giants.
This was followed by an impressive streak of success, including three consecutive MTN8 titles and two consecutive Nedbank Cups.
With Riveiro's contract set to expire at the end of the season, Jele believes that the Sea Robbers should extend his stay. The former defender is convinced that the coach has proven his worth and is more than capable of leading a club of Pirates' stature.
JELE SAYS PIRATES MUST EXTEND RIVEIRO’S CONTRACT
“I’m definitely sure that he needs to extend. You look at his CV the way he started,” said Jele in an interview with iDiski Times.
“No one believed that he’s a great coach, but he showed. They were calling him a plumber before but he proved them wrong that he’s a good coach.
“In one season he managed to get two trophies, another one, two trophies. In his third season he managed to get one, so I don’t think there is going to be someone to break that record.
“So now he’s looking for another one, maybe he can take the treble you never know. It’s a matter of the way they play. If they really want it they can go for it.
“But for me, coming from Pirates I wish they can keep him, extend maybe for another two years and let’s see because he’s proven people wrong that he is a great coach and we have seen it.”
