Pirates Legend Explains Why Jose Riveiro Isn’t A Right Man To Lead Bucs

Orlando Pirates legend James Mothibi seems not convinced that Jose Riveiro who was announced as a new Pirates coach this past weekend is the right man to turn the club’s fortunes.

Mothibi who was Ezimnyama Ngenkani striker in the olden days says Adel Amrouche would be a good choice for the team. The legend says Riveiro is inexpert to coach a big club like the Soweto giants.

“The coach does not have experience, that alone raises a lot of questions, especially for a big club like Pirates. At Pirates, there is a lot of pressure, so that already puts him in the spotlight. You are not just there to be a coach, but you are there to represent people, people who died for the club, people who are paying to get into the stadium with their hard earned money,” said Mothibi.

“Pirates is a brand, it is a big club and there is so much that is expected from you. There is a lot of history behind the club, you are fighting for someone like Irvin Khoza, who has worked so hard to find sponsors for the team. Pirates are not an easy team. I respect the coach, but he must know that the pressure is huge [at Pirates].”

“Does he know Pirates? Does he know that Pirates play in Africa? Yes, we might have not qualified to play in the Caf games (Caf club competitions) for next season , but that doesn’t really mean Pirates is not a big team.”

This will be the second time for Riveiro to head coach a team and that is one of the concerns for the former Bucs forward considering the pressure that will mount on him. Whereas Amrouche has coached teams like MC Alger – a big team in Algeria and also led Botswana and Libya national teams.

“Having said that, we can’t judge him at this moment, we have to see what brings. But his profile raises questions; there is a coach that I suggested who has experience in African, West and South Africa. He was ready to coach Pirates. Plus there are lots of facilities and good professionalism there. The coach I am talking about is Adel Amrouche, you must know him. He was the coach of Botswana, they were also good, they played good football,” he added.

“Again, people at top management know what they are doing. Let us see how he will do even though I am not convinced.”

The Sea Robbers were under the leadership of co-coaches Mandla Ncikazi and Fadlu Davids last season. Davids parted ways with them after the end of the season and is yet to find a new home. While Ncikazi will be assisting the Spanish this upcoming campaign.