Orlando Pirates legend Lucky Lekgwathi has explained why the club’s youngsters have been thriving under the leadership of the outgoing head coach Jose Riveiro.
The Spanish coach has received high praise for his ability to successfully integrate recently promoted players into the senior team.
The success of the Riveiro’s integration is evident in the emergence of players like Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Mbekezeli Mbolazi, and Thabiso Sesane as key members for the Sea Robbers.
The 49-year-old coach will leave his position as Pirates coach at the end of the PSL season in June upon the expiry of his contract, concluding his three-year stint with the club.
Lekgwathi has lauded Riveiro’s ability to extract the best from young players, attributing their success under him to his patient approach rather than being harsh.
LEKGWATHI PRAISES RIVEIRO FOR HIS ABILITY TO INTEGRATE YOUNGSTERS INTO THE FIRST TEAM
“I was so impressed that he was giving youngsters a chance, he was gambling. Most of the teams don’t do that,” said Lekgwathi during his interview with FARPost.
“So, yeah, man, it’s sad to lose a coach like him who is so humble and doesn’t shout, sits on the bench.
“You know youngsters, when the coach is harsh to them, they become scared to play. But when you look at the Orlando Pirates coach, he’s so humble and calm. That’s why when those youngsters are given a chance to play, they can perform.”
The former Pirates captain Lekgwathi also hopes the club’s new coach will be able to replicate Riveiro’s success in promoting young players to the first team next season.
“I was telling someone that my wish is to have a coach like him. I want someone who’s humble, who doesn’t fight referees and everything, a coach who doesn’t talk too much but their talk is on the field.”
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