Former Orlando Pirates defender Innocent Chikoya had lauded Jose Riveiro, saying the Spanish tactician has brought back flair at the Soweto giants.
According to Innocent Chikoya this is the first time in as many seasons that the Buccaneers are in a menacing mode.
“This is honestly a first in as many seasons that they shown what they are capable of. The coach [Riveiro] from Spain has brought back the team’s flair and belief,” Innocent Chikoya told FARPost.
“Even as former players we are believing. It’s a perfect scenario for the team. He [Riveiro] got the players’ buy-in.
“It’s a situation where the players are in connection with the coach’s philosophy. If you notice, there were not much changes from last season but it’s the coach that gave the team confidence to believe in themselves.
“This season they have already won something which a good start for them believing again.
“Of course it’s too early to call but it’s clear that there are better strides ahead of the current Pirates team.”
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The retired defender who is now a developmental coach in South Africa opined that Pirates have the potential to win the DStv Premiership title next season if they maintain the flair.
“It’s clear that they can win the big one anytime because the coach got buy-in of the players. That’s the most important thing in football,” Innocent Chikoya added.
“There is a strong correlation in the team. Jose Riveiro changed the team. With this kind of setting anything is possible. They can win anything.”
Chikoya however notes the difference between the Buccaneers different classes since the early 2000s.
“Back then, we had the passion. That was our driving force. We didn’t have as many financial rewards compared to right now.
“We played because of our passion and pushed because it came from our hearts. We won big under those circumstances
“So now we expect even better results from these ones because they are earning better than us although our passion can’t be compared to theirs. It’s possible so they have to,”he said.
Chikoya is one of the few Zimbabweans that made good strides at Orlando Pirates.
He joined the club in 1999 from Manning Rangers and left at the tail end of 2003.
The 52-year-old was a vital cog as he helped the then Gordon Igesund coached side Buccaneers win the BP Top Eight Cup and 2002/03 PSL title.
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